December 12, 2009 by Woolwich Observer

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

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»18 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 49

SATURDAY, December 12, 2009

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Woolwich tightens belt on grants

Collision forces car into a ditch

Two largest recipients told funds aren’t available to cover the large increases they requested STEVE KANNON

UP AND OUT The driver of a Chrysler sebring is lifted up a 10-metre ditch following a collision Tuesday morning. The incident occurred after a Chevrolet astro van with a large trailer slid on some ice at the intersection of line 86 and Powell Road near Wallenstein, forcing the Chrysler off the road and onto its roof. The man was conscious and alert when emergency workers arrived on scene; he was taken to Grand River Hospital with minor injuries.

Woolwich social services agencies feeling the squeeze in this economy aren’t likely to find much help from the township, which is facing its own financial issues. The recipients of the two largest grants both appeared at council Tuesday night asking for large raises; Woolwich Community Services (WCS) went away with four per cent more, while the Woolwich Counselling Centre (WCC) saw its grant return to historic levels, cutting last year’s rate by half. Council left the door open, however, to consider the requests when formal discussions begin on the See GRANTS page 02

Jury still out on what winter holds in store for us Late arriving this season, cold and snow roll into southern Ontario, but El Niño will determine how bad it gets JONI MILTENBURG After a blissfully warm November, winter has arrived in Waterloo Region, with two centimetres of snow falling Tuesday and Wednesday. However, it’s cold, not snow, that is likely to be the dominant theme this winter, according to Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips. “In southern Ontario, we’re

calling for normal to belonormal temperatures,” he said this week. “The last place for winter to arrive has actually been southern Ontario,” Phillips noted. “We’ve seen snow in the Atlantic, we’ve seen brutal cold out west, we’ve seen snow in the northern part of Ontario, but now we’re getting our introduction to winter.” Environment Canada divides the year into quarters,

with the winter count starting Dec. 1. While October was wet and cool, September and November were both warmer than normal. November, usually the gloomiest month of the year, was both drier and sunnier than normal, with temperatures 2.5 to 3 degrees higher on average. Forecasters are predicting that winter in Canada will lack some of its usual bite because of the recurrence of El Niño.

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will fade out over Winnipeg and the cold air will sweep in and leave southern Ontario colder than normal. “It all depends on how close to the Pacific coast you are,” he said. “If El Niño is strong, then we will certainly benefit from some of those warm breezes. But if it tends to be moderate or weaker, then we will see our share of cold, cold weather.”

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Every two to seven years, sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean are warmer than normal. Warmer Pacific Ocean waters tend to shift the jet stream south, meaning a warmer winter with less snow in Canada. Whether southern Ontario will see a milder winter depends on how strong El Niño conditions are, Phillips explained. If El Niño is weak, those warm Pacific breezes

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2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Grants: Township expects to scramble in forging 2010 budget » From cover

2010 budget. The decision was in keeping with deputy clerk Val Hummel’s report suggesting a small decrease in the township’s grants and special assistance budget, down $1,000 from last year to $25,251. Total grant requests for next year exceeded $42,000, mostly due to the funds sought by WCS and WCC. Looking for $12,162, a 30-per-cent jump over its 2009 grant, WCS will receive $9,744, up four per cent. The counselling centre had requested $15,000, a 50-per-cent increase over 2009; WCC had received $10,000 in 2009 and 2008 as a special consideration to help the organization with its move to a new facility. The $5,000 approved in the 2010 grants list returns the group to its 2007 level. That decision did not come without a struggle, however. Councillors Sandy Shantz and Ruby Weber argued for at least $10,000 for WCC, resulting in a 3-2 split vote. Casting the deciding vote, Mayor Bill Strauss called the WCC request disappointing, noting he supported the jump to $10,000 in the past two

years but only as a temporary measure. “Dollars are going to be scarce this budget year,” he said. Both the counselling centre and WCS pointed to increased demand, largely due to the economic downturn, as the reason for their inflated requests. “Thirty per cent. Wow, it sounds like a big number – really, what it amounts to is $2,700,” WCS executive director Don Harloff told councillors. That 30 per cent would maintain Woolwich’s share of the community information centre program at its historical level of 13 per cent of the overall budget – demand for the services have grown, requiring the expanded budget. The information centre is a “one-stop shop” for services available to the residents of the township. It serves as a gateway for some social services, employment insurance and a variety of other services such as passport applications. Computerization, ironically, has led to more work. Instead of residents coming in to pick up a form – a birth certificate application, for instance – and then

heading back out, now someone from WCS is helping them fill out the forms online, using one of the centre’s computers, he explained, estimating the agency serves about 4,500 township residents each year. Weber suggested the agency might have to scale back its assistance with things like helping people fill out forms, noting some of those people could afford to pay for that assistance. “Do we have to offer

the top level of service?” asked Coun. Mark Bauman, noting staff time could be better spent on other work. Some sacrifices are going to be necessary with the 2010 budget, he added. “My goal is to see us coming in with a budget increase of four per cent or less.” The remaining organizations on the township’s grants list will receive the same amount as in 2009, including $4,000 to Community

Care Concepts, which provides support services for seniors. Also quickly approved were grants of $760 for the Breslau Bloomingdale Maryhill Concert Band; $660 for the Historical Society of St. Boniface and Maryhill; $550 for District 26 of the Ontario Seniors Games; $1,637 in support of the regional police safety patroller program in Woolwich schools; and $500 for the Elmira and District Association for Com-

Truck takes a turn for the worse

munity Living. A figure of $2,400 was set aside to deal with special assistance or travel grants that may be requested during the year, up $500. While not formally debated, the township has also received notice from the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival that it may be seeking a grant of $5,000 to help with increased operating costs. In initial discussions, however, councillors appeared reluctant about that prospect.

TAKING A SPILL The driver of a tractortrailer was northbound on Herrgott Road when he lost control on a curve near Temperance Road Wednesday morning. The tractor-trailer skidded into the ditch and flipped on its side, spilling a load of corn.

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» NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

LEADING OFF

“ I would hate to see a tree go to waste after it’s been cut down.” Brian Soehner

DECK THE HALLS Scout group commissioner and lead Venturer advisor Brian Soehner works a shift at the Christmas tree lot in Gore Park this week. He has been selling Christmas trees from that location for more than 30 years. The annual sale is a major fundraiser for the 1st Elmira Scout Group. PHOTO | katie Edmonds

O Christmas tree

Scouting’s Brian Soehner has a long history with sale of trees in Gore Park

KATIE EDMONDS If you have driven down Arthur Street in Elmira after dark over the past few weeks, it is likely that you’ve seen the twinkling lights that wrap around a small trailer parked in the middle of Gore Park. This is the ‘head office’ of Brian Soehner, group commissioner, lead Venturer advisor and Elmira’s Christmas tree expert since 1971. “This is the lap of luxury,” jokes Soehner of the trailer the Scout group inherited after some of the Jaycees found it abandoned at the transfer station several years back. “It’s a fine office, this one.” Soehner and the Scouts, Beavers, Cubs and Venturers have set up shop in the park for their annual Christmas

tree sale, a fundraiser and volunteer opportunity for the group. The program is entirely for the kids, with the money raised from sales going directly to Scouting activities. In return, some of the kids and leaders volunteer during the four-week season by carrying trees to the lot and serving the customers who stop by. Over time, the volunteers learn a thing or two about the Christmas tree business. “I didn’t know much about trees before this job,” said Venturer Ben Bell, “but we learned quickly about the different types and the quality. There are a lot of good trees here.” Soehner and his Venturers, part of the 1st Elmira Scout Group, have been involved with the tree lot for years, first helping the former group of

Jaycees who ran it before taking over the reins when the service club disbanded. Throughout his many years with the Venturers (youth in Grades 9-12), Soehner has travelled to several Jamborees around the world. In doing so, he has spent many a holiday season abroad, allowing him to note that each country seems to have its own flavour of Christmas decorations. “When we were in Chile in 1999 we looked out from our room and we could see the downtown core with all the different colours of Christmas lights on. It was 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it still felt like Christmas with all the colours.” Soehner has since brought this tradition back to his own home here near Floradale. “I liked the mixed colours on

a Christmas tree. For years at my home we have had just one colour of lights on our house and this year I finally talked them into changing it up and now we have a variety.” To get the trees from Somerville Nursery just outside Shelburne where they are grown to a home in Elmira takes a whole team of people, Soehner explained. After being ordered from the nursery in September, volunteers from Elmira Pet Products drive a truck out to pick them up and deliver them to the lot on Arthur Street. From there, Scout leaders and their troops of volunteers set up the trees on the lot and watch over them when families come to choose the tree that is just right. The supply of Scotch pines, white spruce, balsam and Fraser fir trees has been dwin-

dling over the last few years, said Soehner, so much so that they only order half a truckload nowadays, in comparison to the two full truckloads they would purchase in previous years. “The numbers have really dropped since trees started to get more expensive, but we make a point of only ordering the number that we need. I would hate to see a tree go to waste after it’s been cut down.” The Christmas tree has always been Soehner’s favourite part of the holiday season, so his job on the lot suits him just fine. But he says things have changed quite significantly since he was young and searching for his perfect tree for his family’s home. “We would often go out and See TREES »page 06

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4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» FROM THE EDITOR | STEVE KANNON

On climate change, we’re grasshoppers, not ants Does going on and on about climate change help or hinder the cause? I think people have tuned out. Our attention spans being what they are, we’ve moved on. As with many other issues, we suppose that all the talk leads to action, assuming the inevitable decline in news coverage means the problem has gone away. The Copenhagen conference now underway has made climate change headline news. Expect the saturation point to be reached as the meeting reaches its rhetoric-filled end Dec. 18. You can also expect a great deal of grandstanding, but nothing of any merit to follow. Even if worthwhile greenhouse gas targets are agreed upon, nothing will be binding and most countries will simply ignore them. This international approach, even if it is the right path to take, is doomed to failure. Nations will look after their own interests first. China and India – the two largest polluters going forward – will claim their status as developing economies exempt them from any controls, even as China brings on stream dozens of new coal-burning plants. Every country will want to protect their industries, no matter how energy intensive or polluting. Canada is no different. The government is beholden to large resource companies, increasingly foreignowned. The average Canadian, while

a low priority individually, still warrants some consideration as part of the voting mass. And Canadians have grown tired of the debate, and will not support one dime travelling out of the country on some ill-fated cap-andtrade, carbon offsets or environmental reparations scheme cooked up by an unaccountable international group. We simply do not believe politicians and bureaucrats capable of creating a system that isn’t corrupt, ineffective and likely to waste money. History has shown us such agreements are rarely to the benefit of average citizens. That’s not to say we shouldn’t be making our own efforts to combat climate change. Canada contributes about two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions despite having less than half of one per cent of the world’s population. Clearly we can do better. In the absence of international agreements, however, going it alone may require some other changes, including increasing protectionism. There’s no point in tightening emissions standards for manufacturers in Canada, or even the U.S., if goods from China and other major polluters can come into the market with impunity. Worse still, such tactics could end up encouraging even more transfer of Western jobs to offshore locations where the environment regulations are as lax as labour and human rights protection. As an exporting nation – especially one with resources linked to emissions, particularly the tar sands – Canada may be very reluctant to go down that road. The result? No international

agreements, and no national targets. Perhaps the largest barrier to any major change, however, is human nature: we’re quite content with our lives today, and see no need to change that for some potential long-term benefit, one that’s unlikely to materialize in our lifetimes. Cost estimates tied to the kind of emission reductions deemed necessary to offset the worst of climate change run into the hundreds of billions. Coupled to the lifestyle changes and potential economic upheaval, the costs seem too onerous. If the worst does happen, we’re going to be spending far more to deal with the damage and mitigation factors … but that’s something that may happen in the future, and we seem prepared to cross that bridge when the time comes. Interestingly enough, should the forecasted problems arise, it won’t matter at that point if the climate changes are naturally occurring or manmade: we’ll still have to cope with such things as rising sea levels, increased storm activity, desertification and other threats to farmland, to name a few. The most entertaining part of the

» ABOUT FACE

climate change debate hinges on the anthropogenic component of global warming. Those who argue the planet’s history is full of cooling and warming trends, downplaying man’s impact on such a large system, seem to feel that somehow negates taking action. Yes, the Earth has undoubtedly gone through many climate changes, but most of them predate Homo sapiens. In more geologically recent times, such events had little impact on humans because our population was small and migratory. Today, given that there are billions of us spread out all over the planet, living in cities with massive infrastructure, the changes we’re told are coming would be catastrophic. Left to its own devices, the planet will deal with the changes – manmade or otherwise. Over time, plants and animals adapt to the new environment. That has sometimes meant mass species die-offs, but that doesn’t mean we want to be one of those. In that light, some of the changes recommended to slow climate change can be seen as insurance: we buy it hoping we won’t have to use it.

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Best fishing spot you’ve found? I would have to say Lake St. Clair. What’s your opinion of winter? If it would stay cold and snowy, I can handle it; there are activities you can do in the snow. This in-between stuff where it’s sloppy and then miserably cold, no one likes that. But I like the changing of the seasons, I like the variety.

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Winter marks end to overnight parking To reinforce the message about its overnight on-street parking ban, Woolwich will spend some $3,800 to install 20 signs throughout the township’s settlement areas, council decided this week. The signs will remind residents that there is no parking on streets between 2:30 and 6 a.m. from Dec. 1 to Apr. 1. An addition to the parking bylaw was made last month to permit towing of cars. The first offence will draw a warning. With the second offence, you’ll get a ticket. On the occasion of a third offence, your vehicle will be towed away.

Paisley loses WRDSB vicechair post Wellesley-Woolwich trustee Harold Paisley this week found himself on the short end of a vote for the vice-chairperson’s position on the Waterloo Region District School Board. Seeking re-election to the post, he was tied with Waterloo-Wilmot trustee Kathleen Woodcock during the first round of voting, with Woodcock eventually winning the draw. Kitchener trustee Mike Ramsay was re-elected as board chairperson at the Monday night meeting.

Santa delivers The man in the red suit helps Meals on Wheels Between appearing in Christmas parades and preparing to circumnavigate the globe Christmas Eve, Santa Claus took some time Wednesday to deliver Meals on Wheels for Community Care Concepts. The agency first invited him to deliver some meals last year, and the man in red was a hit with the seniors along the route. So this year he made a return appearance to deliver meals and “Ho ho hos” along Yatton Sideroad. “Santa really feels the seniors have a valuable place in our community,” said Meals on Wheels assistant coordinator Barb Speers. “Just as the children have a lot of fun this time of year, Santa feels the seniors should be honoured.” Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals to seniors and disabled adults in Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot townships five days a week. Meals are prepared by the Village Manor in St. Jacobs, the Schmidtsville restaurant in Wellesley and Nith View Homes in Wilmot, and delivered by volunteers.

STEVE KANNON

A JOLLY TIME Dianne Freeman was one of the Meals on Wheels recipients who received a surprise visit from Santa Wednesday morning as he delivered candy canes and “Ho ho hos” for Community Care Concepts.

On Wednesday, Santa helped deliver a steaming hot turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Jim Brearley, a regular volunteer with Meals on Wheels, was honoured to give Saint Nick a lift. Not being licensed to drive a sleigh, he brought his appropriately bright red car. After helping deliver the meals, Santa stopped in to the seniors’ community

lunch at Calvary United church in St. Jacobs. After the deliveries were done, Santa noted that driving on snowy, slushy roads wasn’t much fun, but delivering the meals was great. “Everybody’s glad to see someone, especially the Meals on Wheels person. You don’t have a lot of time to spend with them, but I think they enjoyed seeing me.”

Kids help meet increased demand

THE SEASON OF GIVING Students at St. Jacobs PS collected 1,555 items for the Woolwich Community Services food drive. Displaying a few of the items are members of the organizing committee Lauren Horst, Hannah Wynen, Candace Bustard, Sarah Brubacher, Madeline Lehmann, Courtney Brubacher, Emma Bender, Madeline Weber, Mitchell McCloy and Tristen Camilleri.

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A sure sign of the season, the annual Elmira Kiwanis Club carol singing event takes place Dec. 14. Meeting this week, council approved the closure of Covered Bridge Drive in West Montrose from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to accommodate the popular annual event. The singing gets underway at 7 p.m., with some 200 carolers expected. “This is a great family outing; unlike any other Christmas event in the area,” said Kiwanis member Tony Dowling, co-chair of the carol sing. “It’s like stepping back to a Christmas from days gone by. The bridge is 128 years old and people come out in their warm clothes to enjoy a cup of hot cider and a cookie at the end of the bridge, and then make their way into the bridge for an hour of caroling. The wooden bridge creates a beautiful resonance and the sound of the caroling is always spectacular.”

» ’TIS THE SEASON

photo | joni miltenburg

Carolers to take cover

The group representing businesses in downtown Elmira plans to be more active next year thanks to the expanded budget approved this week by Woolwich council. With $13,560 added to its traditional $30,000 in funding, the downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) plans to develop a directory and website to inform residents of the breadth of goods and services available in Elmira. Some $5,000 of the extra funds will be used next summer to hire an intern to compile the necessary information, explained chair Krista McBay. The BIA receives $30,000 annually through a special tax levy on downtown businesses. In a deal reached with the developer of the Wal-Mart-anchored development in St. Jacobs, the group will receive an additional $10,000 a year. Because that money won’t begin flowing until next year, the additional funds for the newly approved budget will come from the committee’s surplus account of about $31,000, finance director Richard Petherick told councillors Tuesday night. Before the King/86 Developments power centre can be included in the BIA, a special meeting must be held and a new bylaw passed by council, he explained. That process won’t get underway until early in 2010. Earlier this year, King/86 paid the BIA $90,000, part of the same deal that saw the BIA drop its objections during the long battle to halt the

project, which involved an Ontario Municipal Board hearing. That money, although not allocated yet, is expected to help revitalize the organization. The Business Improvement Area is a committee of council, appointed by and answerable to the municipality, which sets the group’s budget. The BIA in Elmira was formed in 1980, ostensibly to help deal with major downtown renovations that began in that era – long-term debt associated with those improvements was retired in 2002, after which the group seemed somewhat adrift. The new executive in place hopes to change that, said McBay. “We’re reinventing the whole BIA – from the logo to the motto to what we do for businesses.” Coun. Sandy Shantz, the township’s representative on the committee, said she’s seen a change in the organization, which has stepped up its efforts to promote downtown businesses. For the 2010 budget, beautification – including $10,000 for its hanging plants downtown, $4,000 for Christmas decorations and $2,500 for trees and flowerbeds – leads the way in spending. That much again has been earmarked for promotion and advertising, including $2,500 to run the Elmira street dance, $7,000 for the annual sidewalk sale and moonlight madness events and $6,780 for mobile sign rentals.

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6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Residents of Wellesley subdivision seek remedies Poor road conditions and trespassing ATV users have been ongoing concerns in neighbourhood complaints about construction materials littering streets, including Schweitzer Crescent. At one meeting, he brought along a bag full of nails that he had collected from the roads near where he lives. From that point things began to get better – but not for long. “Well now they have deteriorated again.” This time, he brought along a number of neighbours who claim nails from the nearby construction zone have caused them several flat tires on their vehicles. “When you drive for a number of years with no such occurrences and then you find several nails in your tires in a short period of time, along with development and unclean roads, it doesn’t take a

KATIE EDMONDS Residents of a Wellesley subdivision want action from council over a series of ongoing concerns, saying tighter enforcement of township bylaws is needed to improve their quality of life. A handful of Schweitzer Crescent residents brought their grievances to council Monday night, telling of poor street conditions due to the ongoing nearby construction, allterrain vehicles (ATVs) driving on the street and parking concerns – issues they say are being ignored by the township. It wasn’t their first appearance before council, as Kim Ruthig attended meetings in 2007 to voice neighbourhood

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rocket scientist to determine where those nails are coming from,” said Ruthig. “The conditions of the road are atrocious due to both ongoing trucking in and out of the neighbourhood, coupled with the lack of regular cleaning of those streets by the developer. Visitors have come to our neighbourhood and have actually commented on how terrible the streets are,” he told councillors. “They don’t even want to enter the neighbourhood because of how dirty their cars get just from driving in and driving back out of the subdivision. That’s a terrible image for Wellesley.” In addition to problems surrounding the road conditions, residents say that ATV usage in

the area has become increasingly problematic, with people driving illegally through private lots since March. “I had some young children that live across the street come to me and ask, ‘What if we are crossing the street and we get hit by one of these ATVs?’” noted Ruthig. While sympathetic, Coun. Jim Olender noted the township is in something of a “Catch 22” situation, as the land is still private property owned by the developer. Eventually, the roads and some other portions of the subdivision will be turned over to the township, but for now Wellesley has little control over the site. The ATV problem is a

stickler, as police essentially have to catch riders in the act in order to enforce a township-wide prohibition. Olender said the trespassing is not simply an annoyance to residents, but a safety issue as well. Because the land remains private, it’s not a matter for township bylaw enforcement. “I realize something has to be done about it. We are very concerned about the safety of the residents, but until that subdivision is complete and turned over to the township, our hands are tied.” Will McLaughlin, Wellesley’s director of public works, said it is the township’s job to relay concerns from the community to the appropriate parties, and that he intends to write a letter to

the developer requesting a more efficient and frequent clean up of Schweitzer Crescent in the future. Also underway is the posting of signs for the area, reminding ATV riders that there are no unauthorized motor vehicles allowed in the township and that this is enforceable by law. McLaughlin also noted that although council understands the issues facing the residents regarding the cleanliness of their street, the developers have also faced a number of challenges this year as well. “It has been a tough year, in all honesty, for the builders too. They just get started working and it’s raining again, so it is not an easy issue to deal with.”

Snow budgets in good shape as winter makes first appearance KATIE EDMONDS The blades were down for the first time Wednesday as snowplows cleared local roads that had become a slushy mess with a mix of snow and rain. Even with some overnight work, township road budgets are unlikely to be taxed to round out the year, the result of a very mild November. Barring some horrendous weather between now and Jan. 1, the snowclearing budgets in both Woolwich and Wellesley should be in much better shape than last year at this time, when winter hit early and often. In 2008, Woolwich blew past its budget by some $100,000 because of

the rough winter that heaped record amounts of snow on the region, said manager of engineering Rod Kruger. Those kinds of ups and downs in demand for snow clearing is why municipalities base their budgets on a rolling average – five years in Woolwich, 10 in Wellesley – that allows for the reserves to be filled during light years and drawn on during heavy winters. “Some years you win, some years you lose,” said Kruger. Typically,Woolwich allocates some $548,000 each year for snow clearing; included in that budget is $70,000 for sidewalks alone. Given that a single

Sunday snowstorm last year cost the township $26,000, that budget can easily be exceeded under the right – or wrong – conditions. The municipality spends approximately $210 per hour to run each of its eight vehicles, and during a storm like the ones we saw last year, all of those vehicles may have had to operate simultaneously. In Woolwich, the snow budget runs for the calendar year. Currently, about $100,000 remains for 2009, and Kruger is optimistic that amount will carry them to the new year. “Generally speaking, it’s hard to predict but we don’t usually get the major storms before January,” he explained. “We prepare for the major

weather hits in January and February.” In Wellesley, public works director Will McLaughlin said his budget is doing “better than OK.” “We didn’t plow at all this March so we are in good shape. In comparison to March 2007 when we plowed for 29 days, this year has been fine for us.” No matter the budget situation, residents of both townships need not worry about the snow going uncleared. “We wouldn’t stop the service for budget reasons. In the past we have looked to reserves to tide us over if necessary. I think as long as things don’t get too exciting over the next few weeks, we should be fine,” said Kruger.

Weather: Up in the air, as always » From cover

We could see a return to double-digit temperatures – southern Ontario almost always has a January thaw – but any warm spells will be short-lived. “We will certainly learn to appreciate even more the kind of fall we had as we get into winter.” Phillips cautioned that despite all the data and modeling involved, longrange weather forecasting is an inexact science at best. “It’s all conjecture, it’s all speculation,” he said. One thing meteorolo-

gists do know is that winter has arrived later than normal. We likely won’t see a repeat of last year’s record snowfalls, simply because winter has been slow off the starting blocks. The University of Waterloo weather station recorded only one day of trace snow in November, making it one of the least snowiest Novembers in the region since weather records started in 1914. “Last year this time, we probably were dealing with anywhere between 40 and 50 cm of snow and probably 20-some

days of snow, and now you can count the number of days with snow on one hand,” Phillips said. “Even if it made up with a really

snowy rest of the winter, it still is short a bit by 10 per cent because nothing has fallen at the front end of winter.”

Trees: Funds directly support scouting » From page 03

cut it down ourselves, my dad and I. I don’t think we ever bought one from a lot.” Although Soehner has fond memories of his search for the best tree, he thinks the benefits to the community of purchasing

a tree from the Scouts are enormous. “People still do go and cut down their own tree sometimes, but this is so convenient and it helps out the Scouts a lot. The money we raise here goes directly to the kids’ programs, so it’s a win-win.”

NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Here comes Santa Claus Careful planning of your Christmas decorations can help prevent a needless injur y. Avoid overloading wall outlets. Unplug lights when leaving your home or when going to bed. Use cool burning, energy efficient bulbs.

PHOTOs | kaTie edmOnds

Use only lights that are CSA approved. Check them prior to use and repair or replace any damaged plugs, sockets, wiring or bulbs.

rIGHT DOWN SANTA CLAUS LANE a strong contingent of Woolwich residents turned out last saturday to take in the annual santa Claus parade in elmira. Top left, sugar kings players hand out candy. Right, Pat Wintermeyer and dancers from Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Connection keep in time with the Christmas carols on the Guys and dolls float. above, the man of the hour, old kris kringle himself, was a big hit with the kids.

MERRY CHRISTMAS And A Safe Holiday Season FROM EVERYONE AT ...

Waterloo North Hydro Inc.

8 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

New tool for Woolwich FD

Donations from two Elmira service clubs will help the Woolwich Fire Department acquire a new Jaws of Life unit for the Elmira station. The department had budgeted $11,000 for a new piece of extrication equipment, but the donations and a year-end offer from the supplier means firefighters will have a greatly enhanced tool worth $28,000 at a savings to the budget, chief Rick Pedersen told councillors this week.

The cost of the equipment has been reduced by $10,000. The Elmira Lions Club will provide $10,000 and the Elmira Legion $1,500, with the township covering the remaining $6,500. The old Jaws of Life unit at the Elmira station, a donation from the Waterloo Fire Department, will be retired, as it is unable to cut through the new highstrength alloys used to build cars today, Pedersen explained.

photo | JOE MERLIHAN

OFF-ROADING Icy road conditions early Thursday morning were a factor in a number of minor accidents in Woolwich Township, including this two-vehicle collision at Ebycrest Road and Bridge Street.

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NEWS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» LAW & ORDER

Return of winter weather wreaks havoc DECEMBER 3

»»

DECEMBER 4

5:17 PM | Sometime between the previous Sunday and the date of the report, a St. Jacobs-area property was broken into and the garage was entered. Stolen from the garage was a black, 1/2-horsepower Mastercraft compressor, valued at approximately $250. Police do not yet have a suspect associated with this theft. 11:02 PM | A Woolwich woman driving a minivan struck and killed a deer on Glasgow Street South, just south of Conestogo. The animal was killed on impact, and there was severe damage to the front end of the vehicle. The driver was not in-

An Elmira man driving a transport truck was travelling westbound on Line 86 at Reid Woods Drive about 7:45 a.m. Dec. 9 when he caught the shoulder of the road and lost control of the vehicle. The truck crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic and sideswiped a farm vehicle being driven by a Listowel man travelling eastbound. The impact caused the Listowel man to swerve into the path of a horse-drawn buggy. There was damage to the front left wheel of the buggy, and the two trucks had minor damage but were not drivable. There were no injuries and no charges laid in the incident. jured and no charges have been laid.

»»

DECEMBER 5

3:56 PM | A farm owner came across the body of John Klein, 55, laying face down in an open field in the area of Weisenberg and Middlebrook roads. The man, a hunter, went out early in the morning and failed to re-

Rollover on Listowel Road

turn home. The body was discovered about 100 metres from his parked ATV. The man was carrying a loaded crossbow, but no foul play is suspected.

»»

DECEMBER 6

9:41 PM | A 17-year-old driver was travelling on New Jerusalem Road towards Sawmill Road when one of the wheels fell off the vehicle. The driver was leaving the Elmira Sugar Kings game, and heard a funny sound before the wheel left his 1994 Honda Civic and went into the ditch. Anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the parking lot of the Woolwich Memorial Centre Sunday evening is asked to call the Elmira detachment.

»»

DECEMBER 7

7:08 PM | A young man was charged with failing to provide adequate insurance, unauthorized license plates and failure to apply for a permit upon owning the vehicle after being stopped by police during a routine check. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

»»

DECEMBER 8

5:15 AM | A homeowner was treated for smoke inhalation on Country Squire Road in Woolwich after a fire erupted in the basement of the home, and travelled up the outside wall of the nearby garage. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

photo | katie edmonds

»»

11:09 AM | An Elmira-area man called police to turn in two registered firearms for destruction. Part of the equipment was broken and the owner decided to turn them in to police rather than attempt to fix them. 12:10 PM | Police received a complaint from a local Mennonite church regarding unwanted and harassing phone calls being made to staff. The investigation is ongoing. 3:18 PM | An Elmira resident reported the loss of a handicap parking permit (#1391135). The owner would appreciate anyone with information to call the Elmira detachment with details.

WINTER CONDITIONS Firefighters, paramedics and police responded to a collision on Listowel Road Wednesday morning when a Kitchener woman lost control of her minivan in icy conditions and landed upside down in the ditch. The driver suffered only minor injuries. 8:10 AM | The driver of a Chev- 11:44 AM | A dump truck from rolet Astro van lost control of a local hauling company took his vehicle and slid through out several hydro poles and an intersection on Line 86 just wires in St. Jacobs in the area outside of Wallenstein. The ve- of Isabella and Spring streets hicle struck a Chrysler Sebring, after the driver lost control of forcing it into a 10-metre ditch the vehicle. There were no inand onto its roof. The driver of juries to the driver. Waterloo the Chrysler was conscious and North Hydro was contacted to alert when emergency workers fix the damage. arrived on the scene; he was »» DECEMBER 9 taken to Grand River Hospital with minor injuries. 8:00 AM | The driver of a 8:30 AM | A St. Jacobs business white cube van travelling on King Street was broken into on Lobsinger Line near King sometime between 7:45 p.m. Street in St. Jacobs collided Dec. 7 and 8 a.m. the following with a red Pontiac Montana. morning. The suspect entered One of the drivers faces ‘carethe store via the front door, but less driving’ charges. nothing stolen from the 8:41 AM 1| Between 11:30 1:18 p.m. IA adswas Christmas generic:Layout 11/17/09 business. on Dec. 8 and 8 a.m. the fol-

lowing morning, a detached garage on Sawmill Road in Conestogo was broken into and a red Polaris ATV was stolen. Police have not yet identified a suspect, but forensic investigation is ongoing and fingerprints have been taken from the scene. 9:50 AM | An Ingersoll man was charged with ‘careless driving’ after his transport truck entered a ditch and flipped, spilling an entire load of corn onto the roadway and ditch. The man was driving north on Herrgott Road and lost control as he entered a curve. The vehicle struck a hydro pole as it left the roadway. There were no injuries to the driver. 10:00 AM | A Kitchener woman was driving westbound on Listowel Road when she lost control of her minivan in the slush, overcorrected and rolled the vehicle into a ditch. The woman suffered only minor injuries and her dog, which was also in the van with her, left the scene unharmed. No charges have been laid. 11:45 AM | A man lost control of his landscaping vehicle while travelling on Line 86 near Weisenberg Road, subsequently going into the nearby ditch and rolling over once. There were no witnesses to the accident and there were PMno injuries Page 1to report. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

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10 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

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» EDITORIAL

Lowered expectations will fuel cuts

Woolwich councillors made the first of a series of hard, but necessary decisions as they cobble together a budget for 2010. In turning down requests for large funding increases to Woolwich Community Services and the Woolwich Counselling Centre, they’ve set the stage for the cuts that will have to come, not just next year but for the foreseeable future. That’s not to say the organizations don’t deserve support. Ideally, there would be more money to go around. Representatives from both groups made valid arguments in favour of more money. There is certainly a case to be made that Woolwich should find room in its budget. All too often, however, governments at all levels hear such reasoned arguments and, unable to say no, simply go along with it, neglecting the increased burden on taxpayers. WCS will still get an increase of four per cent. For the counselling centre, the initial decision – council can review the grant during formal budget deliberations – the $5,000 offered up returns the organization to the funding level it received before moving to a new building. In doubling that figure over the past two years, councillors were clear that was a temporary

arrangement, so it should be no surprise they weren’t enthusiastic about bumping the contribution to $15,000. For the overall budget, real cuts will have to come. Even the current target of a fourper-cent tax hike will require some juggling, and that rate is far above inflation and excessive given the state of the economy. But even as the economy recovers, reduced tax levels must be the goal: we’ve been paying more and more and receiving less in return. Studies have consistently reinforced that point: Canadians have been working harder than ever, and have little to show for it. Real wages have been stagnating or dropping for much of the past two decades, but taxes have been going up steadily. For tax-weary Canadians, that’s the real kicker. Simply put, we’re not seeing the benefits of having more money siphoned from our wallets. Coun. Mark Bauman’s suggestion that WCS look at reducing some services to ease demand on staff and volunteers is something the municipality can take to heart. In going over the budget, a line-byline scan will certainly reveal many items and services that provide little if any direct benefit to residents. In each case, those

» VERBATIM “An important challenge going forward is the badly needed, but still only embryonic, national energy discussion to ensure that national policies designed to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets do not unfairly disadvantage any part of the country.” Roger Gibbins, Canada West Foundation CEO, sees energy as a unity threat

items should be scaled back or eliminated. In many ways we’re the victims of our own expectations and complacency. We want more from our governments, but resent paying for it. We want accountability, but fail to ensure that officials keep a tight rein on spending. We can’t suck and blow. If we demand that cuts be made, but that they be made away from frontline services, we can gradually adjust to the new reality, expectations adjusted accordingly. Those expectations are key, as politicians often argue the public has come to expect the level of service now offered, plus, of course, whatever new addition is contemplated, which will become next year’s status quo. Governments of all stripes have been guilty of unnecessary bloating, taking on more and more functions without thought for the long-term implications. There is also a tendency to forego reviews of programs and spending to see if each item is still needed – once instituted, they become entrenched and part of each year’s baseline. With those cuts would come the ability to reverse years of untenable property tax increases, gradually returning them to more manageable levels.

» THE MONITOR Canada’s merchandise exports rose 3.4% in October, led by a strong gain in exports to the United States, which accounted for three-quarters of the increase. Canada posted a trade surplus with the world of $428 million, as imports decreased 0.8% in October compared with a deficit of $850 million in September. Statistics Canada

COMMENT & OPINION |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» HARD TALK | RAFE MAIR

Time for action, not more talk about climate change The climate change debate rages, but as far as I’m concerned the argument is over. The increasing greenhouse gases and resultant impacts will be very serious if we start doing something now, and catastrophic if we don’t. In reality, the most important consideration is the fact that the dramatic consequences we once just feared are already with us and worsening by the day. Our governments should be ashamed. What horrible neglect – deliberate neglect at that. The years we should have learned and acted, our governments permitted and even encouraged the horrible practices that now threaten the very existence of our species on this planet. This shameful time, the past 25 years, are, as Churchill would likely have called them, the years the locusts ate. Let’s look at what happened. The public relations people spent the

whole time telling the world that the climate concerns were stuff and nonsense. Exaggerations! Bad science! What was happening either wasn’t happening or, if it was, it was just one of Mother Nature’s cyclical things that would come and go. Public relations people are not hired to pass judgment on how their clients ply their trade. They are hired to put the best possible face on everything they do. I know a bit about it because I briefly did some consulting work, 20 years ago, for a large PR firm. Some of what the flack does is pretty routine stuff and relatively harmless. When, however, they jump the line between true and false, they do enormous harm. Their most effective weapon we, through our politicians, handed to the environment despoilers long ago. We – our society – placed the onus of proving harm upon ourselves, not the user. At the same time, our governments took away from us the former policemen in the environment, namely, the federal Department of Fisheries

and Oceans and the Ministry of Environment. These two agencies still exist but they have been thoroughly politicized, and now they too put the onus of proving harm on the public and in fact shill for the industries they are supposed to monitor! On environment issues, therefore, the public has no friends save themselves and the environmental organizations they support. The onus of proof must be placed back where it belongs – on those who would use the environment. Moreover, the onus of proof – and this is critical – must be accompanied by the precautionary principle, which argues that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the action must not take place. In days gone by, this principle was at least the stated policy of government. While I don’t want to belabour a constant issue of mine, the classic breach of the precautionary principle was the farming of Atlantic

salmon in B.C. waters. Put shortly, 15 years ago, when the fish farms came seriously to our coast, there was an abundance of evidence from Norway, Scotland and Ireland demonstrating that it was hugely dangerous to have fish pens near migrating salmonid smolts because the sea lice from these cages would destroy them. Between the time the NDP government placed a moratorium on Atlantic salmon farms, and the current Liberal government lifted it, independent science poured forth and unanimously supported the evidence from Norway, Scotland and Ireland. The Campbell government ignored the science, thereby saying “get stuffed” to those who pled the precautionary principle. What the removal of the precautionary principle does is play right into the hands of the PR flack because instead of having to defend his client, all he need do is raise doubts, with disinformation as his main weapon. The actions taken by the fish farmSee MAIR »12

» INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS | GWYNNE DYER

Copenhagen an example of playing politics in the real world Copenhagen is turning into exactly the sort of shambles everybody feared it would be. The only official text still has almost 2,000 square brackets indicating points of disagreement, although there is less than two weeks to go. And now all the rival, unofficial texts are starting to emerge. The first to be leaked was a Danish proposal that was backed by a number of other industrialised countries. It would simply scrap the Kyoto protocol, the only legally binding treaty in existence that makes countries reduce emissions, and ditch the measures it contains on financial assistance and technology transfer to poor countries. A new treaty would be constructed on a green-field site, with everything up for grabs. The developing countries, needless to say, were furious – but in the next few days the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) will release its own proposed text. The least developed countries, the African bloc and the overall G77/China grouping are also expected to present their own texts, as are the small island states. The last group, unsurprisingly, is threatening to veto any outcome that does not create a legally binding treaty, because it contains a number of small island countries that are likely to disappear entirely if the sea level rises even a metre. Yet it is very hard to believe that a binding treaty can be negotiated in the next seven or eight days – the conference ends on Dec. 18 – and in the end the island states will probably be bribed and bullied into accepting something

less. One hundred and ten heads of state will show up for the final couple of days, so something will have to emerge that can be represented as a success. But it is likely to be merely a ringing statement of principles that steers around all the unresolved disputes, and then everyone will go home leaving the job half-done. But cheer up. “Last chances” are rarely what they seem. The job of removing all the square brackets from the text will probably be resumed early next year, with the goal of bringing something closer to a final draft back to another Conference of the Parties as soon as possible. (This is COP 15; COP 16 is already scheduled for Mexico City next summer). So what does this process remind you of ? If it were all happening within one country, and the blocs of states manoeuvring at Copenhagen were just local interest groups defending their turf, then you would recognize it instantly. It is the normal political process we are all familiar with, transposed to the global scale. And that is new. It is hard to celebrate a process as clumsy, and occasionally as ugly, as the horse-trading and arm-twisting going on at Copenhagen, but that is how human politics works. We may all recognize that there is a global emergency, but every government still has its own interests to protect. Nevertheless, we have come a long way. Seventy-five years ago there were only about 50 independent countries in the world, and more than half of the human race lived in somebody else’s empire. The one existing international organization with any pretensions to global authority, the League of Nations, had collapsed, and we were entering the worst war

in the history of mankind. Forty years ago, there was a new, more ambitious global organization, the United Nations, created mainly to prevent more such wars, and in particular a nuclear war. There were a hundred independent countries, many of them dictatorships, but they did represent the interests of their people better than the empires. The world was divided ideologically between East and West and economically between North and South, but the realization was dawning that in some sense we were all in the same boat – and in the end we did avoid nuclear war. Now there are 192 governments at the Copenhagen conference, most of them democratic, and they know that we are all in the same boat. That’s why they are there. So now, for the first time in history, we have real global politics. It is as messy

and incoherent as politics at any other level, but it is better than what we had before. There are those on the right who think that climate change is a leftwing plot to impose a world government on everybody, but nothing of the sort is remotely likely. Those who built the first atomic bombs were not plotting to create the United Nations, nor did the scientists who first detected global warming have the Copenhagen conference as their ultimate goal. We are all just dealing as best we can with threats that require a global response. We bring our old political habits with us, because there is no better model available. And yes, if we succeed, the world will be more politically integrated than ever before. Not because it is desirable – on that there are many possible views – but because it is necessary.

» LETTER TO THE EDITOR Tie pension reform to HST To the Editor, Listening to Revenue Minister John Wilkinson, I was amused at his sales tactics attempting to sell the harmonized sales tax. Attempting to justify HST legislation by a proposed reduction in business tax, Wilkinson neglected to say that his government had only recently increased that same business tax. Now aware of the importance of the business sector, Wilkinson continued his “flip flop” by agreeing with economist Jack Mintz’s statements favouring the HST. However, Wilkinson continues to oppose unlocking lockedin contribution pensions, which the same Jack Mintz says is the right thing to do.

Corrected by a member of the audience, after repeatedly commenting on the current hidden costs resulting from “piggybacking” (compounding) of the current provincial sales tax, Wilkinson immediately “spun” to the cost of civil servants currently required to process PST transactions. However Wilkinson is not concerned about the cost of civil servants working at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, who manage a lockedin contribution pensioner’s own retirement money and which is the same job that Ontarians with RRSPs perform for nothing. Bill Nafziger Ontario Coalition of LIF Holders Milverton

12 | COMMENT & OPINION

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Two weeks till Christmas!

» OBSERVER Q&A What gift are you really hoping for from Santa?

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» THE VIEW FROM HERE | SCOTT ARNOLD

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Mair: Fight is all about planet’s survival » From page 11

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ers are remarkable examples of how independent science has been downplayed and often ignored. Let me give you one example. After years of denying that lice from fish farms attacked salmon smolts in the Broughton Archipelago, where tiny smolts have to run a gauntlet of millions of sea lice from these cages, the farmers and their buddies in government argued that no one had proved that it was these precise lice that were doing the damage! Even when some fish pens were left fallow during salmon migrations, and there was a bountiful return, the flacks, wonderfully aping the ink fish, raised all manner of silly pos-

sibilities as explanations. I only use the fish farm example because it’s current in our bailiwick. The shifting of the burden of proof onto the public instead of it remaining on those who would advocate taking the action, is worldwide. We have a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (federal) and an Environment Ministry both of which have laws to administer which clearly place the burden of proof on those who want to take the action. Yet, instead of enforcing these rules, both ministries, on orders from their political masters, have taken upon themselves the duty of helping the potential spoilers with

their licensing requirements, turning a blind eye to their transgressions, and promoting the industry they are supposed to monitor. (In one case, the B.C. government actually returned fines levied against the fish farmers!) This may all seem like legalistic nitpicking but it’s far from that. The shifting of the burden of proof away from those using the environment has meant that the work governments are supposed to do as policemen of the environment not only doesn’t happen anymore, but worse, the government “policemen” are on the side of the despoiler! What has all this to do with global warming? A hell of a lot. For if

the governments are going to support obvious causes of global warming and other environmental degradation, it will fall to the people – not those they elect to look after their interests – and environmental groups they may support to demonstrate the harm. The only way we can tackle both the big problems and the lesser ones is for governments to place the onus of disproving harm squarely on the user. Given the recent history of both the federal and provincial governments, that won’t be easy. But, unless we put the burden of proof where it belongs, we have zero chance of making headway in our long delayed fight for our planet’s survival.

BUSINESS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

BUSINESS » NEW OPPORTUNITIES

With change, some things remain the same JONI MILTENBURG Don Jewitt gets a little ribbing from his customers these days when he answers the phone saying, “Elmira Feed and Supply.” The business has been Sharpe Farm Supplies for over a week, but a habit of 14 years is hard to break. Jewitt sold Elmira Feed and Supply to Sharpe on Dec. 1, but he’s staying on as manager of the Elmira store. It speaks to the smoothness of the transition that the hardest part has been adjusting his phone greeting. Jewitt bought the business 14 years ago from Paul Schwindt. A sales manager for Purina at the time, he missed having face-to-face interaction with customers and was looking for the chance to be self-employed. Owning a business also provided opportunities for his family to be involved; all three of his kids worked at Elmira Feed and Supply over the years. Jewitt said the nature of the business – selling livestock feed and agricultural supplies – hasn’t changed much

since he bought it. What has changed is the technology involved in the nutritional services. Now each farmer gets a ration customized for his or her needs, sometimes changed on a monthly basis. When visiting dairy farms, for example, the sales reps carry laptops to work out the best ration on the farm. Despite the technological changes, Jewitt said it will continue to be a people-driven business. “The technology may have changed, but having capable individuals doing business with our farmers hasn’t changed.” New ownership will bring a few changes to the Elmira store: Sharpe is a large equine dealer, so there will be a wider range of equine products available. There is also the opportunity to expand the selection of non-feed farm supplies, which in the past was limited by the available warehouse space. Sharpe Farm Supplies was started in 1987 by Bill Sharpe and is now run by Bill and his three sons. Sharpe has stores in Guelph, Fergus and Moffat, as well as a fertilizer plant and feed mill.

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

Elmira Feed and Supply now Sharpe Farm Supplies, but Don Jewitt remains the face of Elmira operation

CHANGING IT UP Don Jewitt (right) and his youngest son Rob are the faces of the former Elmira Feed and Supply. Jewitt sold the business Dec. 1 to Sharpe Farm Supplies, but is staying on as manager of the Elmira store.

Bill Sharpe first approached Jewitt with an offer to buy Elmira Feed nearly two years ago. At that time, Jewitt declined; his youngest son Rob had shown interest in the business. But over the summer, Rob concluded he didn’t want to be involved in the long-term and Jewitt decided it was the right time to sell.

“I never bought this business with the hope my children would take it over,” Jewitt said. “I bought it because it was something I enjoyed.” Sharpe’s offer was contingent on Jewitt continuing to be involved, and the role of manager was a perfect fit for him. “I’m too young to retire, but I was getting to the

age where I didn’t want to invest a significant amount going forward.” Jewitt is looking forward to being involved with Sharpe’s sales team on a regular basis, something he’s missed from his days as a sales manager for Purina. Other than that, his responsibilities will stay largely the same, except that he

won’t be doing financial management. “So I get to do the fun things,” he grinned. Becoming the manager also allayed the biggest concern he heard from customers: that he continue to be involved with the business. “Over 14 years, my customers have become like friends.”

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14 | BUSINESS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» FOOD FOR THOUGHT | OWEN ROBERTS

No such thing as junk food, says scientist

doesn’t exist. Dr. Rickey Yada, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Food Protein Structure at the University of Guelph, says unhealthy diets are to blame for making some food look like junk. But consumed in moderation, food is, well, food. Not junk. That’s the message Yada delivered last week in Guelph, at a News@Noon seminar at One Stone Road, sponsored by the office that handles the research partnership between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The office holds such events periodically to raise awareness of the activities and accomplishments that accrue through the many research efforts stemming from the unique partnership. Yada is a pioneer in translating and transferring knowledge gleaned through research efforts – not only his own, but also those of the 75 scientists who are part of Canada’s Advanced Foods and Materials Network. With support from Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence program, he helped found the network six years ago, and is currently its scientific director. The connection between food, health and nutrition is a big emphasis for the

partnership and for Yada’s network. And as Yada’s presentation shows, that connection is rife with spirited controversy and tough choices. For example, there are many foods we couldn’t consume without them first being processed. In many cases, it makes food better, with added nutrients. However, through processing, food may take on excessive fat, salt and other red-flag features. Some manufacturers point the finger at consumers. Last month, a Nestle Canada representative told a House of Commons health committee that consumer tastes prevent manufacturers from reducing the likes of salt, even though it, and inactivity, are killing Canadians. Apparently we have an unusual attraction to salt. So abiding manufacturers pour it on. However, Yada says there’s no reason to totally avoid what’s popularly called junk – such as high-fat, highsalt processed snacks -- unless you can’t fight the urge to eat the whole bag, box or bowl. Try eating one serving, he suggests. The nutrition label on all food packaging in Canada notes what’s considered one serving. Seldom is it the whole bag. It can be discouraging, if not shocking, to discover how small a serving can be. Still, if processors and manufacturers sold food by the serving, it would be easier for people trying to follow the one-serving limit. But it would be hard on landfills. Everyday would be like Halloween, with cupboards full of itty bitty one-serving packages that look like play food. And the environ-

mental impact of so much packaging would have consumers howling. So instead, we get family-size jumbo packs. We dive in. And then wonder why we balloon. Yada says one of the most maligned foods is potatoes, which also happen to be a focus of his research. In the early 2000s when anti-carb diets were all the rage and people were eschewing potatoes, he stood by carb-rich tubers and potatoes and extolled their virtues for

providing energy to the body, not to mention their Vitamin C richness. And that’s where he stands today, still working towards improving potatoes by enhancing their long-term storage potential. He’s found a way to do so, through genetic modification, and told a different House of Commons committee last month there’s no reason to fear such foods. Or, for that matter, any food … in moderation.

The string’s the thing at EDSS

THE TUNE-UP International recording artist and rock violinist Mark Wood works with the EDSS senior orchestra Tuesday morning to prepare for their ‘Electrify your strings’ concert the following night.

PHOTO | KATIE EDMONDS

Heading into the holidays, here’s some good news for everyone anticipating a festive feast: The term junk food is an oxymoron. In the eyes of one of Canada’s leading food scientists, junk food

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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

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16 | GIFT IDEAS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

GIFT IDEAS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

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18 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

SPORTS » EDSS BASKETBALL

Senior boys notch ﬁrst win JONI MILTENBURG The EDSS senior boys’ basketball team picked up its first win on Monday, notching a 48-43 victory over Preston Heights. The Lancers built up an early lead and were ahead 12 points at halftime, but the Panthers pulled even in the third quarter. The two teams were neck and neck as the clock counted down the final minutes, but Preston Heights missed an easy layup and Matt

Bauman made a pair of long drives to the net to edge EDSS out in front. A series of fouls by the Panthers in the final seconds let the Lancers widen the lead on free throws, ultimately clinching the 48-43 victory. It was a key win and a confidence booster for the senior boys, who opened the season Dec. 3 with a 59-50 loss to Huron Heights and lost their three games at a tournament in Stratford last weekend. Coach Brian Carter said the team has a lot of athleticism and will be looking to improve every game. Carter has six players back from last year, including scoring leaders Scott Albrecht and Eric Alderice. Albrecht and Alderice combined for 28 points in Monday’s game against Preston Heights. Basketball is always a challenging sport for EDSS, which faces the perennial problem of tipping off against teams whose players hit the court with club teams in Kitchener and Waterloo. “These guys play basketball November to April and that’s it,” Carter said of his players. In the coming weeks, Carter is looking for stronger defence from his squad. “We’re getting there, we’re

making some strides, but we still have a way to go.” The junior team also faced Preston Heights on Monday, losing 5539 to the junior Panthers. Coach Chris Finnie has just four returning players and nine rookies, making for an occasionally chaotic game. Monday’s match was an improvement over the season opener, which the Lancers lost 65-17 to Huron Heights. “The shots just weren’t dropping,” Finnie said of the opener. While they lack experience, Finnie said his players come ready to learn and practice. The coach saw a lot more aggression in Monday’s game, and said they’ll continue to work on fundamental skills and composure on the court. Key returning players are Tak Shibayama and Aaron Nafziger, two of the teams’ top scorers. And three of this year’s players – Lucas Nosal, Walker Stewart and Angus Docherty – have played basketball with the Waterloo Wildhawks. Finnie expects the team will be more competitive with more practice, but he’s not overly concerned with winning. More important, he said, is to make it a good experience so they’ll stick with basketball. “You need to have some fun so they keep coming out.”

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

Victory key as squad looks to build some conﬁdence early on

SPLIT DECISION VS. PANTHERS Tak Shibayama dribbles around a Preston Heights defender on his way to the net in junior boys’ basketball action Monday. The juniors lost 55-39, while the seniors posted a 48-43 win over the Panthers. At left, Eric Alderice lines up a shot on the basket during the senior boys’ game. He had 12 points in the win.

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SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» THE NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN | STEVE GALEA

An outdoorsman’s guide to Christmas Long ago, some misguided person said that it is better to give than to receive. I can only assume that he was originally talking about right hooks. Nevertheless, this rule has also come to embody the Christmas spirit. It is with this in mind that I’d like to provide a few handy pointers for outdoorsmen who wish to enter into the complex and torturous process that is called gift giving. The most important thing to note is that non-outdoorsy spouses do not share our sophisticated tastes. This immediately rules out any knife that comes with a gut hook. Similarly, any tool designed to remove the anus from big game animals should be considered a little too refined to be appreciated. I

learned this last Christmas. Indeed, fishing rods, rifles, bows, arrows, tackle, tree stands, ground blinds, laser range finders and practically anything bearing camouflage or antlers will probably cause more hard feelings than good. Especially when you ask to borrow them. At this point, you are probably saying to yourself, “Surely, he cannot be implying that my wife would object to a spool of quality line, good hooks, an ice fishing tip up and one dozen wax worms?” Sadly, that’s exactly what I’m implying. It’s far better to go with the power grubs. It took me years of trial and error to reach this level of understanding and, quite likely, you’ll encounter a few potholes along the way too. But, in the end, it will be all worth it just to see the look on your loved one’s face as she opens up her brand new minnow bucket and

aerator. Sure there are some folks who would advise you to play it safe and buy her expensive jewelry, furs, a new car, the latest electronics or a trip to an exotic winter destination or spa. Trust me, these gifts, though expensive and unbelievably appreciated, cannot compare to simple offerings that come straight from the heart. A homemade taxidermy project immediately comes to mind. Sure it’s a bit hokey and cliché, but it tells her in no uncertain terms that you care enough about her to put some time, imagination and effort into her gift. A stuffed squirrel whose jaws serve as a nutcracker when you push down on the tail is just one example of a stylish yet functional gift that she’ll remember for the rest of her days. Right now, I’m working on electric pencil sharpener that utilizes the back end of a deer. Every time she

inserts her pencil in it from here on in, I’m sure she’ll think of me. As you can see, there are countless options out there. All it takes is a little creativity and you can make or buy a gift that will render that special someone speechless – for about six months, as a rule. At this point it’s probably wise to take a hint from Tiger Woods and rule out golf clubs, however. No matter which route to holiday bliss you choose to travel, remember that it is the thought that counts. I say this because there have been several times that, when cornered, I have had to repeat this phrase over and over again in a soothing voice until the look in her eyes finally returned to normal. But that’s what Christmas gift giving is all about, right? That special look in the eyes of a loved one, right before they lunge at you with the stuffed squirrel … Merry Christmas.

Kings come close, but drop two games KATIE EDMONDS It was a case of too little, too late last weekend for the Elmira Sugar Kings, as their valiant efforts to come back from a 3-0 deficit fell just short; the Cambridge Winter Hawks went home with a 3-2 victory Sunday night. “We had a terrific third period but it simply wasn’t enough,” said head coach Geoff Haddaway. This disappointment for the team came after a similar challenge Dec. 4, when the Kings lost 3-2 in overtime following a tough battle against the Stratford Cullitons. “The games were so close,” noted Haddaway. “I feel as though we should have won both of them but that’s just not the way it turned out.” The Friday night match started out well for the Kings, who built up a 2-0 lead by the halfway point of the second period on goals by Lukas Baleshta and Riley Sonnenburg. However, Stratford’s Craig Dalrymple and Chett Binning came back with goals in the second and third periods to force the extra frame. In OT, Steve McParland gave the Cullitons the

two points. “We weren’t able to hold the lead and we really paid the price for that. Their goal in the second gave them some momentum and they started to believe. That was a tough loss for us.” But it can’t be said that the Kings came to Sunday’s game looking defeated. In fact, they were anything but. While the score sheet shows Cambridge potting the first three goals – Brett Priestap, Cody Hall and Tanner Rutland – the Kings fought hard and played fast all night. “Late in the first I thought we started to take it to them again,” noted the coach. “Even though we lost the second period I thought we played OK – we just made a couple mistakes and the puck was in the back of our net.” The trouble for the Kings seemed to be simply a matter of being able to get the puck past Cambridge netminder Kyle Ruhl, as they managed to outshoot the Winter Hawks 41-29 overall, but remained scoreless for the first two periods. “We certainly wore out the Cambridge goalie’s chest,” said Haddaway See KINGS page »21

PHOTO | KATIE EDMONDS

Elmira runs out of time in comeback bid versus Cambridge; falls in OT to Stratford Cullitons

FOLLOW THE BOUNCING PUCK Tyler Luikkonen of the Cambridge Winter Hawks looks on as the puck bounces towards Elmira goalie Brandon Gorecki during Sunday’s game. The Hawks held on to beat the Kings 3-2.

Proceeds to Mennonite Central Committee

SUNDAY

DECEMBER 13, 2009

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20 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

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Whether you want to freshen up your home décor, express yourself with art quilting or want classes to learn about quilting and sewing, there are plenty of good reasons to visit Reichard’s—The Quilter’s Store. Reichard’s offers the best in sewing machines, embroidery machines and overlock machines (sergers) from Baby Lock—for the love of sewing. Stop by to test sew, see what the Baby Lock machines can do, what they sound and feel like, and how easy is it to change settings. Visiting your reputable local Baby Lock dealer, Reichard’s, is the best way to guide your choices and ensure after-sale support. Also, if you are the type of person who learns by doing, listening or watching, then you’ll want owner’s classes from Reichard’s. Many first-time visitors at Reichard’s are amazed at the selection of fabrics with over 5,000 bolts of 100% cottons from which to choose. They also carry notions, patterns, threads, books, kits, and more. Reichard’s offers sewing and quilting Classes, from beginner to advanced, plus Sewing Clubs. Their main floor classroom has plenty of windows for natural light. Their team of instructors has the experience in colour selection to help your projects to be successful and beautiful. Sewing classes are available for children. They also operate an After-School Sewing Club for Kids. Ask about relaxing Ladies at the Lake Quilt Retreats, plus upcoming Quilt Shows and events. With a history dating back to 1924 in Elmira, Reichard’s has been operating from St. Jacobs since October 2008. Let owner Leslie Irvine and the staff at Reichard’s-The Quilter’s Store show you why there is no substitute for experience and customer service.

519-669-3232

When the time comes for you to buy new tires for your vehicle, choosing the right tires usually starts with choosing the right tire store. Buying new tires is so much more than getting a low price. Tires are manufactured in a wide array of types and designs, and for every type of vehicle on the road. Getting the best combination of performance and value means understanding the options available to you. That’s where the specialists at O.K. Tire Store (Elmira) can really help. Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, your driving style, where and how you will use the tires most, and the benefits you expect from your new tires, O.K. Tire Store (Elmira) will ensure you get the best tire for your needs—at a great price. They provide tires for auto, farm, truck and industrial vehicles. Founded in 1993, O.K. Tire Store (Elmira) carries the best in allseason, performance and winter tires, plus cool custom wheels and winter rims. Choose from leading brands such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Kumho, Continental, General, Pirelli, Toyo Tires, and others. Every passenger tire purchase is backed by Tire Protection Plans and warranty protection that is hard to beat. O.K. Tire Stores has grown to become Canada’s largest independent chain of tire retailers with the buying power of over 260 locations. Owner Rob Bowman and the staff at O.K. Tire Store (Elmira) ensure that exceptional service is provided for every vehicle entering this 4 bay shop. A road service is available for disabled vehicles, plus an on-farm service. This winter, don’t take chances with all-season tires. Start, stop and corner with confidence with winter tires from O.K. Tire!

519-669-4400

Most of us spend a great deal of time researching and choosing a vehicle and then take years paying for it. Your vehicle or fleet represents a significant expense, so having Thompson’s Auto Tech Inc. take an active role in maintaining your family vehicle will help ensure its reliability and avoid unexpected breakdown repairs, which is essential in today’s economy. You may also benefit from better fuel efficiency and lower emissions for a greener planet. In addition to taking care of those unexpected problems that need immediate expert attention, Thompson’s Auto Tech is legally authorized to handle your newer vehicle’s factory scheduled maintenance. They install quality parts that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s standards to fulfill your vehicle’s warranty requirements. The manufacturer is still bound to honour all warranty items. The experienced technicians at Thompson’s Auto Tech understand today’s sophisticated computerized systems that are prevalent in modern vehicles. Their technicians have the training and resources to deal with all the latest technologies. Thompson’s Auto Tech provides computerized diagnostics, tuneups, CASTROL lube-oil-filter service, brake and exhaust work, shocks/struts, auto air conditioning, MTO safety inspections, Drive Clean Test & Repair services, and general repairs. Ask about the Motorvac Carbonclean service designed to reduce emissions and increase performance. Over the past 12 years, owner Chris Thompson and the staff have taken pride in their work, repairing or replacing only what is necessary. Call them soon to arrange your appointment.

519-664-3785

Some people believe that choosing a pharmacy is just as important as choosing a good doctor. A convenient location is just the beginning. Make Martin’s Pharmacy St. Jacobs part of your health care team and you will come to realize what has kept customers coming back since February 2001…personal service, selection and value. Beyond simple courtesy and accuracy in filling your prescriptions, the main thing your pharmacist at Martin’s Pharmacy provides is information. They are always willing to answer any and all questions you may have about a prescription—names, uses, how they should be taken, and possible precautions and side effects you should be aware of. Ask about compliance packaging in a weekly format to make taking multiple prescription medications easier and safer. An eFill prescription reminder service using e-mail is available for patients with ongoing medication needs. Once you get to know your pharmacists at Martin’s Pharmacy and they have a record of all the medications dispensed by them, they can offer personal advice based on the knowledge of your particular health concerns. Your pharmacist will also help you select over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies that won’t interfere with your prescription medications and treatment plans. They also offer diabetes supplies and home health care supplies. Martin’s Pharmacy offers blood glucose monitor training, free blood pressure testing, and free delivery. Owner Alan S. Martin and the team at Martin’s Pharmacy invites you to experience the friendly atmosphere and expertise that they have to offer you and your family.

“Serving Agriculture Since 1938” 7293 Line 86, Wallenstein 519-669-5176 www.esmfarmequipment.com

For All Your Hair Care & Spa Needs 112 Oriole Pkwy., Elmira (at Flamingo Dr., in the Birdland Plaza)

519-669-8234

If you are like most people, you enjoy feeling more attractive and refreshed after a visit to the hair salon and day spa. To avoid disappointment and guarantee that you always receive the best hair and spa services, the latest techniques and personal service, we recommend a visit to Guys & Dolls Salon & Spa. Since 1982, Guys & Dolls Salon & Spa has kept customers coming back and referring their friends and family. Their experienced stylists will provide a personal consultation to ensure that any changes are suited to your lifestyle and meet the needs of your image. You can expect people who remain current with the latest trends, techniques and styles. Guys & Dolls provides precision cutting and styling for men and women. A full line of hair care products, conditioners and styling products are available with names like Matrix, American Crew for men, and Back to Basics. When it comes to colouring, texture changes such as perms, special treatments such as foil highlights or updo’s for special occasions and formals, the experienced team at Guys & Dolls is dedicated to meeting your expectations. Ask about pre-wedding hair and make-up treatments so that everyone in your bridal party looks and feels their very best on that special day. If you want spa treatments that pamper and rejuvenate or antiaging treatments that promote a more youthful appearance, Guys & Dolls provides facials, manicures, pedicures, and massages (hot stone and reflexology)—all designed to make the new you feel complete. Other service offerings include laser hair removal, waxing, lash and brow tinting, gel nails, plus make-up, and more. Owner Lori Weber invites you to call for your appointment. Gift cards & spa packages are available--just in time for the Holidays!

45 Arthur St. S., Elmira 35 Howard Ave., Elmira

10 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs

Your Personal Car Care Centre

519-669-5484

Not all insurance policies are created equal, and they are certainly not priced the same. When buying a new policy or renewing a current one, your best bet may be to choose a locally owned, independent broker such as Elmira Insurance Brokers Limited. The insurance professionals at Elmira Insurance Brokers Limited work hard to select policies from preferred service oriented insurance companies to obtain the lowest premiums and best coverage for you. The team at Elmira Insurance Brokers realizes that you want your insurance policy to be more than just a piece of paper. They believe you are entitled to hassle-free claims service, a choice of financially stable insurance companies, loss prevention when necessary, the availability of premium financing, and experienced insurance brokers offering advice you can count on. Their insurance coverage can include homeowner’s, condo, cottage and tenant’s insurance, commercial liability & property insurance, commercial & personal automobile, marine, RV, plus farm insurance. Unlike an agent or direct insurance provider, they work for you, not the insurance company, so you know they will look after your interests. You will be notified of any qualifying discounts so that you get the most value from your insurance dollar. Owner Wil Lichty and staff members Mark King, Lee Clemens, Ruth Norris, Kerry Mullen, and Brittany Hahn remain current with industry. They are committed to providing you with personal service, and assisting you in receiving prompt, fair claims settlement. Since 1927, Elmira Insurance Brokers Limited has been the choice of many families and businesses in the region. Call or visit them soon for your free consultation and quote. “OUR POLICY-YOUR PROTECTION”

Those involved in the agriculture industry know what kind of investment farm equipment represents. It only seems natural that one would protect that investment if possible. From factory scheduled maintenance to repairs when unexpected problems arise, ESM Farm Equipment Ltd. is committed to service. Their goal is to minimize downtime, help eliminate large repair bills and maintain your tractor and implement’s resale value by providing regular maintenance and repair services using parts that meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer’s standards. The factory trained technicians at ESM Farm Equipment service everything they sell as well as most other makes. The Martin Family and the experienced staff at ESM Farm Equipment know the areas they serve. Whether it’s an equipment upgrade, first time purchase or pre-owned equipment for added value, these people will take the time to answer your questions and help you get what you really need. For over 100 years, New Holland customers have relied on innovative, dependable New Holland products...and it’s no different today with the customers at ESM Farm Equipment. They feature an innovative and diverse line of NEW HOLLAND Agriculture equipment, including a full line of tractors as well as equipment for hay and forage, harvesting, crop production, material handling and more. Financing though CNH Capital is the solution to get your equipment fast. ESM Farm Equipment Ltd. also offers an extensive short line of attachments, accessories, and implements, plus lawn and garden equipment, utility tractors, zero turn rider mowers, etc. ESM has been a dealer for Harman pellet stoves for 20 years. Check out their selection of Farm Equipment Replica Toys for the Holiday Season!

Poultry in Motion 1010 Three Bridges Rd., St. Jacobs (north of Lobsinger Line, east of Township Rd. 36)

www.thepoultryplace.com

519-664-3090

As people who appreciate the advantages of high quality services or products, we feel that the meat served at our table represents the principle part of a meal and we personally only want the best. We have found that The Poultry Place has consistent quality throughout the year with a wide variety of poultry products, while also offering excellent value. The choice is always extensive with refrigerated viewing showcases of the very best in poultry, with a wide selection of chicken sausages: garlic; sundried tomato; feta & spinach; honey garlic; maple syrup; breakfast type; plus turkey sausage. You can also choose from fresh chicken, whole or in select pieces. There’s a wide variety of specialty items such as schnitzel, chicken vegetable pie, burgers, wings, fingers, rolls, kebabs, and ground chicken. Other offerings include various stuffed chicken breasts, loaf, cordon bleu, chicken balls, turkey bacon, turkey kielbassa, and more. Items to complement your meal include sauces, noodles, and cheese. The prepared ready-for-the-oven foods available at The Poultry Place are ideal for busy working parents wanting to serve nutritious meals in short order. Many of the prepared foods, finger foods and appetizers won’t require your constant attention while cooking, making them an excellent alternative when entertaining guests over the Holidays. The Den Boer Family and their staff are proud of the superior quality products and level of service that is offered to customers. Whether it’s helping you choose the right amount for your family or a large function, or getting meal ideas for something different from the ordinary, customer service is paramount at The Poultry Place. The growth of their clientele over the past 24 years and a recent addition to the facility in 2009 is evidence of customer satisfaction.

SPORTS |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» SOUTHERN ONTARIO JUNIORS

Jacks’ frustrations boil over in fight-filled contest Wellesley drops a pair, but coach likes some of what he saw from players in last weekend’s matches

IN TOUGH Wellesley’s Matt Aspden takes the puck away from a lunging Bulldog during Sunday’s game. Mount Brydges beat the Jacks 6-2 in a penalty-filled match. my coaching career,” he said. At the outset of the game, fans could tell that it might be a messy match when they saw a flurry of activity on the ice with 28 minutes of penalties assigned within the first six minutes of play. Although for the most part Bulldogs dominated play in the

Kings: Team faces a real test in two games this weekend » From page 19

with a chuckle. “We kept shooting right at him, so it was a struggle to put it past him.” It was only in the third period that the Kings were able to get on the board when forward Jarred Parent, with an assist by Andrew Smith, buried the puck behind Ruhl on the power play. Following Parent’s goal, Elmira seemed to gain some momentum when Tyson LeBlanc (Sonnenburg, Spencer MacCormack) notched a shorthanded goal. But despite the late

push, the Hawks were able to ride out the storm to salvage the win. Next up for the Kings is an even bigger challenge. Elmira plays against the two top-scoring teams in the Midwestern Conference, the Brantford Golden Eagles on Saturday and the Waterloo Siskins at home at on Sunday, a 2 p.m. matinee. “It will be a great test, a real challenge for us to bounce back after losing two tough games this weekend,” said Haddaway. “But I am looking forward to it.”

first period, Wellesley kept the game tied with a goal by Justin Roeder with only 45 seconds remaining in the period. The second frame was entirely Mt. Brydges’, as they tripled the Jacks’ shots on goal and lit up the scoreboard twice with two power play goals. The first came from Jamie Morgan on a two-man

advantage, penalties that Fitzpatrick said were for the most part anything but deserved. “They (Mt. Brydges) just kept diving all over the place and crying to the referees, and we kept taking penalties. At one point, one of their players doubled over in pain when our guy wasn’t even within five feet of him, and the referee

gave us a penalty.” The last period started out well for Wellesley with an unassisted goal from Ben Jefferies, but the good times didn’t last long. “By the third period our frustration really started to show. They are very talented. I don’t take away their talent, but they whine constantly. It’s despicable. I could not coach a team like that.” The Bulldogs continued to bombard the Jacks, outshooting them 22-5, in part thanks to a steady stream of Jacks heading to the penalty box. Two of Mt. Brydges’ third-period goals came from a string of six penalties within a minute. For the night, the Bulldogs converted on four of 12 power plays, while the Jacks went 0-8. Whether on the power play or at even strength, Mt. Brydges dominated the play. The Bulldogs pummeled Wellesley goalkeeper Kurt Martin at a rate of almost one shot per minute, tallying 58 shots. “We had really great

goaltending on Sunday,” noted Fitzpatrick. “With a bit more consistency I think we did have a chance of winning.” But more than being upset about the loss, Fitzpatrick said he is disappointed with the way the whole game played out. “It takes away from the hockey game. It’s tough for the guys to have fun if they’re playing a game like that.” That game was preceded two days earlier by a close contest that ended up in the loss column despite some strong play, perhaps fueling the frustrations seen at home Sunday. Fitzpatrick said his boys outplayed the St. George Dukes only to lose 5-4. “We outshot them, we out-chanced them – we simply did not finish.” Next up, the Jacks travel to Hagersville tonight (Saturday) to take on Hawks, who currently hold second place in McConnell Conference. Sunday finds them in Lambeth. The team’s next home game is Dec. 19 against Exeter.

Lancers fall to St. David in high school hockey action

PHOTO | JONI MILTENBURG

In a David-vs.-Goliath game for the Applejacks last Sunday, the home team resorted to fists as a frustrating season came to a head. Wellesley racked up 73 minutes of penalties while playing the Mount Brydges Bulldogs, who managed 53 minutes of their own. The 6-2 loss, riddled with punches, power plays and penalties, left the team in the basement of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Bauer Conference with a record of 6-13-2. The league-leading Bulldogs (16-2-2 going into Sunday’s game) spent a significant amount of time in the sin bin, but were able to capitalize on their power play opportunities. While noting Mount Brydges’ strengths, Wellesley coach Kevin Fitzpatrick was less than impressed with what he saw as poor sportsmanship. “For as talented a team as they are, I have never seen a bigger bunch of crybabies and divers in

PHOTO | katie edmonds

KATIE EDMONDS

IN ON GOAL The Lancers’ Dave Uberig attempts to deke out the St. David’s goaltender during the boys’ hockey game Tuesday at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. EDSS came up short, losing 8-2 to the Celtics. For more game photos, see www.observerxtra.com.

If we took your picture this weekend you can find it online at: REPRINT PRICING

www.

4x6...............$9 5x7................$11

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.com Order a 2nd reprint of the same image for half price.

22 | SPORTS

SCORECARD Dec. 6

Dec. 6

Dec. 5

Oakville 6, Woolwich 1 Goal: Mackenzie Willms (Brody Waters, Lucas Shantz)

WOOLWICH PEEWEE BOYS LL#1

Nov. 28

TWIN CENTRE ATOM C GIRLS

Woolwich 7, Embro 2 Goals: Matthew Lalonde x2, Nick Berlet x3, Spencer Andersen, Trent Thompson (Nick Berlet, Joseph Hanley x2, Trent Thompson, Austin Horst x2, Kyle Ropp, Matt Jessop)

Twin Center 3, Ayr 1 Goals: Sam Donsig, Ben Bauer x2 (Jade Lipczynski, Jack Wolf, Devon Lee, Cade Homanchuk)

Nov. 28

Dec. 6

Twin Centre 1, Orangeville 0 Goal: Lauren Quehl (Leah Sebben)

Woolwich 2, Tavistock 1 Goals: Trent Thompson, Matthew Lalonde

Dec. 6

Twin Centre 4, Wilmot 1 Goals: Jessica McLachlan x2, Laura Weber, Deanna Mainland (Laura Weber x2)

TWIN CENTRE NOVICE BOYS LL#1

Twin Centre 11, Embro 6 Goals: Jade Lipczynski x4, Olivia Bolender x2, Quinn Mrowka, Ben Bauer x2, Cade Homanchuk x2 (Nathan Brideau x2, Jade Lipczynski, Olivia Bolender x2, Devon Lee, Cade Homanchuk) WOOLWICH NOVICE BOYS LL#1 Dec. 5

Woolwich 3, Ayr 2 Goals: Zac Pickard x2, Kyle Deyell (Eric Poirie) WOOLWICH NOVICE BOYS LL#3 Nov. 28

Woolwich 13, Tavistock 0 Goals: Ben Martin, Joshua Kohlsmith, Matthew Dunn, Travis Weber x2, Jackson Hale x3, Kyle Rintoul, Brendan Grant x2,CJ Sider x2 (CJ Sider, Kyle Rintoul, Jackson Hale x3, Travis Weber) Shutout: Riley Demers WOOLWICH NOVICE BOYS LL#4 Dec. 4

Woolwich 9, Tavistock 0 Goals: Dawson Good x3, Eli Baldin x2, Tanner Mann x2, Jesse Martin, Cameron Martin (Alex Devore, Hunter Schmitt) Shutout: Nate Maier Dec. 5

Woolwich 7, Paris 1 Goals: Eli Baldin x2, Kieffer Beard, Hunter Schmitt, Tanner Mann, Colton Schmitt, Jesse Martin (Kieffer Beard x 2, Colton Schmitt, Jesse Martin, Tanner Mann) Dec. 6

Woolwich 6, St. George 0 Goals: Dawson Good x2, Kieffer Beard, Colton Schmitt, Jesse Martin, Eli Baldin (Ben Witmer, Kieffer Beard, Hunter Schmitt, Tyler Martin, Jesse Martin, Cameron Martin, Tanner Mann, Colton Schmitt) WOOLWICH TYKE SELECT A BOYS Dec. 3

Woolwich 7, Erin-Hillsburgh 0 Goals: Keaton McLaughlin x2, Ryan Elliot, Connor Bradley, Brady Brezynskie, Isiah Katsube, Jacob Clemmer (Brett Allen x2, Lucas Huber, Brady Brezynskie, Spencer Young, Blake Roemer, Isiah Katsube, Hunter Wiegel, Jacob Clemmer, Keaton McLaughlin) Brampton tournament Dec. 4 – Game 1

Woolwich 4, Guelph 3 Goals: Isiah Katsube x2, Lucas Huber, Keaton McLaughlin (Ryan Elliot x3, Trevor Ferretti x2, Brady Brezynskie, Isiah Katsube, Jacob Clemmer) Game 2

Woolwich 7, Ajax 3 Goals: Brady Brezynskie x2, Kyler Austin, Spencer Young, Blake Roemer, Isiah Katsube, Jacob Clemmer (Ryan Elliot x2, Brett Allen, Brady Brezynskie, Kyler Austin, Keaton McLaughlin) Dec. 5 – Game 3

Woolwich 7, North Toronto 1 Goals: Kyler Austin x2, Brady Brezynskie, Spencer Young, Isiah Katsube, Jacob Clemmer, Keaton McLaughlin (Spencer Young x2, Trevor Ferretti, Lucas Huber, Ryan Elliot, Brady Brezynskie, Isiah Katsube, Keaton McLaughlin) Semi-finals

Woolwich 5, Brampton 4 Goals: Brady Brezynskie x3, Connor Bradley, Isiah Katsube (Connor Bradley x2, Blake Roemer x2, Trevor Ferretti, Brady Brezynskie) Dec. 6 – Championship

Woolwich 5, Ancaster 3 Goals: Connor Bradley, Brady Brezynskie, Kyler Austin, Isiah Katsube, Keaton McLaughlin (Blake Roemer x2, Trevor Ferretti, Lucas Huber, Brady Brezynskie, Spencer Young, Keaton McLaughlin) WOOLWICH MAJOR NOVICE A BOYS Dec. 5

Woolwich 7, Brampton 3

Talkin’ turkey in Pittsburgh

Woolwich 1, Mitchell 1 Goal: Kenda Harold (Cora Kieswetter)

Dec. 2

Dec. 5

Twin Centre 4, Windsor 0 Goals: Jessica McLachlan, Jocelyn Oja, Jessie McDonald, Sophie Jantzi (Sophie Jantzi, Jessica McLachlan, Leah Sebben, Julia Dakin) WOOLWICH ATOM BOYS LL#2

WOOLWICH PEEWEE BOYS LL#2 Nov. 28

New Hamburg 2, Woolwich 1 Goal: Luke Charter (Christopher Taylor, Isaac Fishbein) Dec. 5

Woolwich 4, New Hamburg 1 Goals: Isaac Fishbein x2, Jake Bruder, Matt Green (Kyle Conrad, Luke Charter, Dylan Arndt, Christopher Taylor)

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

Woolwich 6, Kitchener 0 Goals: Mya Brubacher, Delaney Douglas, Hannah Carr x3, Abigail Burkholder (Mya Brubacher x3, Abigail Burkholder x2, Hannah Carr) Shutout: Holly Faries

Goals: Josh Martin x3, Mackenzie Willms x2, Brody Waters, Ryan Belanger (Austin Cousineau x3, Jacob Code x2, Mitch Lee, Mackenzie Willms, Lucas Shantz, Jackson Hale)

SILVER LINING The Woolwich Minor Atom team claimed silver at the Thanksgiving Day Classic hosted by the Pittsburgh Vipers. The local team went undefeated until the final game, when they lost 3-2 to the host team. Back row: Marv Schaus, Garrett Reitzel, Chase Mooder, Austin Whittom, Brad Altman, Brad Hale, Cole Altman, Tegan Schaus and Joe MacDonald. Middle row: Sammy Huber, Matthew MacDonald, Daniel Carr, Nolan McLaughlin, Jordan Lee, Riley Runstedler and Cade Schaus. Front row: Riley Weigel and Mathew Turkalj.

Dec. 5

Woolwich 3, Ayr 2 Goals: Riley Shantz x2, Devin Williams (Devin WIlliams, Chadd Hoffer, Max Beder, Kyle Gingrich) WOOLWICH RUSSELL ATOM AE BOYS Dec. 4

Woolwich 8, Wellington 0 Goals: Kyle Bruder x2, Benton Weber, Jonathan Martin, Cameron Brown, Mathew Uhrig x2, Alex Turchan (Nathan Horst x3, Jonathan Martin x2, Zachary Pogue, Benton Weber, Mathew Uhrig) Shutout: Dylan Creelman Dec. 6

Woolwich 2, Hespeler 0 Goals: Mathew Uhrig, Nick Campagnolo (Kyle Bruder, James Cooper, Benton Weber, Zachary Pogue) Shutout: Ryan Conrad Dec. 7

Hespeler 4, Woolwich 3 Goals: Cameron Brown, Mathew Uhrig x2 (Kyle Bruder, Jonathan Martin) WOOLWICH MINOR ATOM A BOYS Nov. 25

Woolwich 2, Oakville 1 Goals: Austin Whittom, Nolan McLaughlin (Matthew MacDonald x2, Riley Runstedler x2) Pittsburgh tournament Nov. 27 – Game 1

Woolwich 5, Arctic Foxes 0 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin, Riley Runstedler, Matthew MacDonald, Sammy Huber, Chase Mooder (Cade Schaus x2, Matthew MacDonald x2, Nolan McLaughlin x2, Chase Mooder, Daniel Carr, Austin Whittom) Shutout: Mathew Turkalj Game 2

Woolwich 6, Pittsburgh Aviators 0 Goals: Cole Altman x2, Cade Schaus x2, Riley Runstedler, Jordan Lee (Tegan Schaus x3, Riley Runstedler x2, Garrett Reitzel, Nolan McLaughlin, Cole Altman, Sammy Huber, Brad Hale, Matthew MacDonald) Shutout: Riley Weigel Nov. 28 – Game 3

Woolwich 7, SHAHA Panthers 1 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin, Cole Altman x2, Riley Runstedler, Jordan Lee, Cade Schaus, Chase Mooder (Cade Schaus x2, Brad Hale x2, Riley Runstedler x2, Tegan Schaus x2, Jordan Lee, Sammy Huber, Chase Mooder, Matthew MacDonald, Nolan McLaughlin) Nov. 29 – Championship

Pittsburgh Vipers 3, Woolwich 2 Goals: Riley Runstedler, Matthew MacDonald (Cole Altman, Tegan Schaus, Nolan McLaughlin, Cade Schaus) WOOLWICH PEEWEE C GIRLS Dec. 5

Stratford 4, Woolwich 3 Goals: Rachel Weber, Sydney Meunier, Megan Thoman (Meghan Martin x2, Emily Schuurmans x2, Erika Morrison) Dec. 6

Twin Centre 4, Woolwich 3 Goals: Sydney Meunier, Marlowe Schott, Rachel Weber (Sydner Meunier x2, Emily Schuurmans x2, Michelle Wang)

WOOLWICH RUSSELL PEEWEE AE BOYS Dec. 4

Woolwich 4, Acton 3 Goals: Mason Buehler, Bradley Mathieson,Troy Nechanicky, Connor Peirson (Jake Lewis, Troy Nechanicky, Gareth Rowland) WOOLWICH MAJOR PEEWEE A BOYS Dec. 4

Woolwich 8, Caledon 1 Goals: Adam Jokic, Grant Kernick x2, Jason Gamble x2, Alex Uttley x3 (Adam Jokic x2, Cole Conlin x2, Evan Martin x2, Matthew Leger, Harrison Clifford, Nathan Schlupp, Nicholas Pavanel) Dec. 6

Woolwich 3, Guelph 2 Goals: Alex Uttley, Evan Martin, Grant Kernick (Nathan Schlupp, Cole Conlin, Nicholas Pavanel, Alex Uttley, Luke Brown, Carson Kyte) Dec. 8

Woolwich 1, Caledon 0 Goal: Grant Kernick (Cole Conlin, Adam Jokic) Shutout: Jayden Weber WOOLWICH BANTAM B GIRLS Dec. 6

Goderich 2, Woolwich 1 Goal: Rebecca Luis (Mel Schwartzentruber, Lauren Lawson)

HOIST THAT BANNER The Twin Centre Peewee Hericanes won gold at the Woolwich Wild Girls tournament Dec. 5, defeating Kincardine to take the championship. Coaching staff, from left: Kevin Kraemer, Peter Draper, Gayle Draper and Sheryl Harnack. Players, from left: Kirstin Kraemer, Shaylyn Jones, Baylie Parnell, Hope Richmond, Stephanie Ringrose, Carli Jones, Emma Martin, Natessa Shantz, Jessica Harnack, Sally Draper, Chantel Schnider, Brooke Davenport, Rebecca Giovanniello and Hannah Charlton.

WOOLWICH BANTAM BOYS LL#1 Dec. 5

LL#1 4, LL#3 2 Goals: Jordan Aivaliotis x3, Cole Burkhart (Cole Burkhart, Jordan Aivaliotis, Andrew Stoltz, Colton Williams) Ayton Tournament

Tykes sweep through to victory

Dec. 19 – Game 1

Woolwich 3, Shallow Lake 1 Goals: Jordan Aivaliotis, Nigel Balden, Bradley Thomas (Bradley Thomas, Brett Kaiser, Spencer Inglis, Marty Metzger) Game 2

Woolwich LL#1 5, Woolwich LL#3 3 Goals: Cole Burkhart, Bradley Thomas x2, Nigel Balden, Colten Williams (Bradley Thomas x2, Colten Williams x2, Marty Metzger, Spence Inglis) Game 3

Walkerton 5, Woolwich 1 Goal: Kyle Arsenault WOOLWICH MIDGET GIRLS LL Dec. 5

Woolwich 3, Wilmot 1 Goals: Katie Murray x 3 (Ashley Bauman, Maggie Lariviere, Tabitha Walker, Kayleigh Moser) TWIN CENTRE MIDGET GIRLS LL Dec. 5

Kitchener 3, Twin Centre 1 Goals: Katie Uberig x3 (Sarah Van Allen, Ally Guenther) Dec. 7

Twin Centre 1, Waterloo 1 Goal: Alanna Harte (Ally Guenther)

WOOLWICH PEEWEE B GIRLS

WOOLWICH MINOR MIDGET A

Dec. 5

Dec. 6

Woolwich 2, Sarnia 0 Goals: Marlee Kernick, Cora Kieswetter (Taylor Rempel, Michelle Bauman) Shutout: Dana Colombo

Hericanes take gold in Woolwich

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

Dec. 5

Submit your sports scores to: jmiltenburg@woolwichobserver.com

Woolwich 1, Brampton 0 Goals: Ryan Ament (Clinton Dechert) Shutout: Blake Ziegler

PHOTO | SUBMITTED

WOOLWICH NOVICE GIRLS LL#1

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

WE’RE NUMBER ONE The Woolwich Tyke Select A team won the AA division at the Bob Giroux Tournament held in Brampton last weekend. Woolwich went undefeated and beat Ancaster 5-3 in the championship game. Back row: Coach Lance Brezynskie, Spencer Young, Connor Bradley, assistant coach Derek Austin and assistant coach Kelly Bradley. Middle row: Blake Roemer, Brett Allen, Isiah Katsube, Trevor Ferretti, Hunter Weigel, Jacob Clemmer and Ryan Elliot. Front row: Simon Huber, Keaton McLaughlin, Brady Brezynskie, Lucas Huber, Ryan Martin and Kyler Austin.

CLASSIFIED DEPT. help Wanted

CHILD CARE REQUIRED LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

FAST and FREE Delivery Service

Office supply store and copy centre is looking for

2 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES • Hours - Part Time Flex with hours (30+) weekly average. Must be available Mon-Friday Days (Some nights and Saturdays also) • Computer Literacy and a Smile is a must Drop off resumé at the store

10 Church St. W., Elmira

» »Caregiver

Wanted. Looking for a mature/experienced babysitter to care for our girls (3/5) in our Elmira home. Hours are part time with a fixed schedule that varies week to week (no nights or weekends). Must be a non-smoker. Preferably a mom who has raised her children and now wants to fill some hours through the week. Required ASAP. Call anytime 519-210-0244.

FOR SALE

trades & services

» »Dis N Dat Treasures

open every Thurs. and Fri., 10-6. 15 Dunke St., Elmira, 519-669-5005. » »Final Two Weeks! Closing at Christmas. Prices slashed!! 50 75% off most items. • Manufacturing of Landscape Great bargains. Near& Snow Removal Equipment ly New Centre, 5116B • Custom Manufacturing and Machining Ament Line, Linwood. • Agricultural, Industrial, Transportation Hours Tues. - Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-3, also open & Construction Equipment Repairs Mon. Dec. 21, 9-5. 519698-0088. 100 Union St., » »For Sale - Antique Elmira, ON Toll Free 1.877.467.3478 refinished dresser w/5 drawers, and two matchwww.reistindustries.com ing night stands, $100; and one three drawer dresser $25. Twin oak HELP WANTED HELP WANTED head and foot board w/ »»Custodian Needed for »»Help Wanted - Elmira side rails $100; 13” TV/ small community church. based furniture finishing VCR white GE $25; fraMust have liability insur- company now hiring for meless mirror 36”X60” ance. For details call 519- mature general labourer. $ 2 0 . O a k d e a c o n ’ s 570-0972 or blooming- Fax resume to 519-669- bench $150. Call 519dale@sympatic o.ca 8820 or call 519-669- 669-1068 evenings. 3143.

519.669.1501

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

FOR SALE

AUTOMOTIVE

RENTALS

»»Heritage Turkeys for sale. Dressed for Christmas, And much more. Call 519-638-3207. »»Newmac oil furnace with Beckett burner, $500 o.b.o. Galvanized steel, used, high rib, 20ft long, 11 sheets, best offer. Phone 519-749-5807, 519-669-3413. »»P i a n o , a p a r t m e n t size, solid mahogany, rich sounding, with bench. Call 519-669-8894. »»Solid Pine diningroom suite, 4 x 8 table, 8 chairs, buffet and hutch, pine $600 for all. Large mirror $95, tea trolley $80 and 3 tier corner shelf $60, all brand new. Dog kennel, $100; dog house $25. King size water bed $100. 519-749-5807 or 519669-3413. »»Tippman A-5 Paintball marker. Includes upgraded gun, vest, 20 oz tank, remote line, upgraded mask. Call for more details. $400 or best reasonable offer. 519-498-0024.

»»2000 Grand Cherokee LTD 4X4. Leather, heated seats, full loaded, dark taupe in colour, 154,000 kms. $5,900 as is. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»2008 Grand Cherokee Diesel 4X4. Power sun roof, U-connect hands free, leather heated seats, allow wheels, trailer tow group, loaded. Colour Silver, 27,000 kms. $36,900. Bought and serviced at Voisin’s. Voisin Chrysler 519-669-2831. »»A Good Winter Car. ‘97 Chev Lumina, passed E-test and safety mid November. $1200. Phone 519-669-2623, cell 226929-2623.

»»Commercial / Retail / residential space for rent. Approximately 1600 square feet, 2 storeys, on Arthur Street, in Elmira. Available December 1. Call 519-669-8906, evenings. »»Elmira - 3 bed, main floor, bungalow. Utilities incl., quiet neighbourhood. $975. Available Feb. 1. Call 519-5746105. »»Elmira - bright, spacious, open concept, 1 BDR basement apartment separate laundry and entrance. Garage. No smoking, no pets. 519669-5239. »»Elmira - One Bedroom, downtown. $510 + utilities. No pets, Dec. 1. 519-669-5431. »»New 1 Bedroom, central Elmira, with appliances. Immaculate condition, separate entrance, unit will appeal to professional single or retired senior. No pets, no-smokers please. $635/month + utilities. Available Feb. 1. Call 519-669-2212. »»St.Jacobs - 1 Bedroom Apartment. $650 per month, utilities included. Bathroom with shower. email archrental@gmail. com or call 519-664-2212 and ask for Les. »»Elmira Area - newer bungalow main floor or basement. Available now. Call 519-574-1489.

RENTALS

»»2 Bedroom Unit avail-

able immediately - 14 Spring Street - Drayton. 1st floor unit in good condition. Call 519-669-1544 Mildred or Len Frey. »»36 Memorial Ave., Elmira. 1 BR apartment, newly decorated, for senior with no pets and non COMM/IND FOR smoker. Available January RENT 1. Only $675 + utilities. 2 basement apartment, »»Industrial Bay for rent. BR available Jan. 1st. Only 64 Howard Ave., Elmira. 2000 sq ft., open space. $775 + utilities. Parking 14’ high bay door. 16’ ceil- $25/mo. Please call Bob ing height, good for mez- Eby at 519-744-3711. zanine. separate hydro, »»Available January 1. gas and water meters. 2 Bedroom apartment in Inquiries please call 519- adult building, no smok465-8421 or 519-669- ing, no pets. $850 + hydro. 519-429-0230 OR 1461 ext. 22. 519-404-1764.

COMPUTERS

COMPUTERS - LAPTOPS

Sales and Service

CALL FOR DETAILS

Come see our showroom at:

112 Bonnie onnie Crescent, Elmira r ra

519-669-5551

Training Z ENDORSEMENT COURSE 12 HOUR COURSE

SAVOIE

(Given over a 2-day period)

TRAINING SERVICES

Valid G license or higher required

Next Courses:

Wed & Thurs December 16-17, 2009 Wed & Thurs January 6-7, 2010 Fri & Sat January 22-23, 2010

Fergus, Ontario

1.519.843.7873 1.888.443.7873 From 8:00am - 8:00pm

Also Available AZ Tractor-Trailer DZ Straight Truck Call now to reserve your spot. All in-vehicle training is one on one

RENTALS

PETS

»»Industrial Unit for rent. »»Collie Cross puppies. Approx. 3000 sq. ft. Office/ $45 each. Phone 519warehouse, in Elmira. Call 638-3207. 519-497-3914. »»Husky Collie cross puppies. 6 weeks old, �� REAL ESTATE $25 to a good home. »»Barn For Rent - Flora- 519-698-2714 or 519�� dale area. 519-669-0394. 698-2825. ��

��

�

��

Kyler James Austin April 6, 2003

��

PARENTS:

Derek & Melanie Austin

HOME:

Elmira

Emma Victoria Brubacher December 9, 2003

of the

Sydney Dianne Chalmers

Ethan Dodds

August 10, 2003

May 20, 2003

Madeline Joan Dunn May 26, 2003

Brett William Forester

PARENTS:

Gerry & Heidi Chalmers

Lori & Jason Dodds

Troy & Julie Dunn

HOME:

Elmira

Fergus

Heidelberg

Love Aunt Wendy, Uncle Brian, Grandpa & Grandma Rutherford

Sabrina Isabelle Irene McGuire

Keith Walter Mikel

Shelby Shirley Ann Mikel

Adrianna Marie Molenaar

Tyler Kieran Martin October 14, 2003 PARENTS:

Troy Martin & Michelle Dempster HOME: Elmira Grandparents: Jeanet & Tom Martin & Kathy & Dave Wennerstrom

This special feature is open to all proud parents, grandparents, or friends of little ones born in 2009.

September 19, 2003

January 12, 2003

Brady Luke Gingrich

February 8, 2003 Jentry & Anita Bracebridge, ON

PARENTS:

Dennis & Marie Brubacher

PARENTS: HOME:

January 12, 2003

November 22, 2003

PARENTS:

Steve & Tanya Mikel

Dirk & Lisa Molenaar

Matt & Rose McGuire HOME: Elmira

HOME:

Elmira

November 18, 2003 PARENTS:

Kirby & Sandra Gingrich HOME:

Elmira

Callum Joseph William Morrison May 4, 2003 PARENTS:

Scott & Laurie Morrison HOME: St. Jacobs

(Sample)

00 + GST

email:

ads@observerxtra.com

WHAT’S INCLUDED? • Full Colour photo in the January 9 issue • Name, Parents, Town, Birthday • Extra copies of the paper • Web Page Gallery online

Reserve your spot by E-mail: drudy@woolwichobserver.com or phone Donna at 519-669-5790 ext. 104

• DEADLINE: Jan. 6, 2010

AD RATES | Residential 20-Word Ad $7.50 Extra Words 20¢/word | Commercial 20-Word Ad $12.00 Extra Words 30¢/word | Bold Headline Add $1.00 /line | Display Ads are quoted individually. PLACING A CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT | Classified ads can be obtained in person, by phone | fax from Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm or Friday 8:30am-4pm. Email queries to classifieds@woolwichobserver.com 24/7 - email will be replied by next business day. All classified ads are prepaid by Visa | MasterCard | Debit | Cash | Cheque unless on account. Deadline is Thursdays by 10am.

ADVERTISING POLICY | All advertising is accepted subject to the Publisher’s discretion. The Publisher will not be responsible for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occured. Please check your ad on the first day of publication. The Observer’s responsibility, if any, is limited to the charge for the space for one insertion only.

24 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Community Information Page THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH "Proudly remembering our past; confidently embracing our future."

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE 69 Arthur Street South, Elmira Former Township of Woolwich Hall/Offices TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Woolwich intends to designate the property being the former Township Hall at 69 Arthur Street South in Elmira, Lot 33 and Part Lot 32 Plan 560, Township of Woolwich, Region of Waterloo, as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O 1990, Ch. O. 18). A By-law to designate the property will be presented to Woolwich Township Council, for formal approval, at its regular Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Description of Property The Township of Woolwich Township Hall, completed in 1912, is prominently located on the main street of Elmira at the southwest corner of Arthur Street South and Wyatt Street East. It has served as a Township hall and municipal building for the Township of Woolwich from1966 to 2008, prior to which it housed the Post Office and for a short time the Police Station. The exterior of this two-storey structure is mainly comprised of brick and stone with its striking clock tower as a strong presence on the streetscape of this rural settlement. Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest The former Township Hall was built with a vernacular combination of features from several design styles specifically of the Classical and Italianate styles. It is a replica of similar public buildings, mainly post offices, located in small Ontario Towns. This could be considered its own style known as “Ontario Post Office Style”. The building contains a large clock tower at the corner (being approximately 108 feet from the sidewalk to the top of the tower), which still functions with its original mechanism built in 1914. Although altered with additions, the areas of the original building along Arthur Street and Wyatt Street retain much of the original aspects. The Township Hall is also significant in its context as it sits on the main street in Elmira. The height of the clock tower creates a recognizable and distinguishable landmark from the surrounding streetscape. The clock continues to serve the community and maintain the character of the town. In terms of historical and associative value the building having been in public use since its construction as a post office, police station, and a town hall has played an important part to the community as a whole. Further information respecting the proposed designation is available from the Clerk of the Township of Woolwich.

P.O. BOX 158, 24 CHURCH ST. W. ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 2Z6 WEBSITE: www.woolwich.ca

TEL: 519-669-1647 or 519-664-2613 FAX: 519-669-1820

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY: 519-575-4504

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE 1924 Sawmill Road, Conestogo Former Township of Woolwich Hall TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Woolwich intends to designate the property being the former Township Hall at 1924 Sawmill Road in Conestogo, Township of Woolwich, Region of Waterloo, as a property of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (R.S.O 1990, Ch. O. 18). A By-law to designate the property will be presented to Woolwich Township Council, for formal approval, at its regular Council meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Description of Property The former Township Hall is located at 1924 Sawmill Road (formerly King Street) at the northeast corner of Flax Mill Drive in Conestogo. The building was constructed in 1888 originally as a Mennonite Church. The exterior of this single storey gabled structure is reflective of early simplistic vernacular design. Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest The building was originally built as a Mennonite Church for the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. It maintained its use as a religious structure until it was sold to the Township of Woolwich in 1939. Since the structure was created by Mennonite craftsmen it provides a better understanding of the community’s skills and attitudes at the time of construction. The structure reflects the simplistic methods of construction used by Mennonite builders at the time. It was designed for functionality with very little decorative additions. The fact that the structure is still viable is indicative of the high degree of craftsmanship with which it was built. The structure is functionally linked to the community through its history. Further information respecting the proposed designation is available from the Clerk of the Township of Woolwich. Any person may send by registered mail or deliver to the Clerk of the Township of Woolwich notice of their objection to the proposed designation together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. If such a Notice of Objection is received, the Council of the Township of Woolwich will refer the matter to the Conservation Review Board for a hearing. THE LAST DAY FOR FILING OBJECTIONS IS Monday, January 11, 2010. Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 12th day of December, 2009. Christine Broughton, Clerk, Township of Woolwich

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

RECREATION WINTER PROGRAMS ADULT FITNESS - MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS (9 WEEKS) (Boot Camp) (Advanced Step) (Interval/Cardio Training) 7:00 – 8:00 PM AT PARK MANOR SCHOOL BALLROOM DANCING – TUESDAYS (10 WEEKS) 8:30 – 9:30 PM AT PARK MANOR SCHOOL BADMINTON – MONDAYS (14 WEEKS) 8:15 – 10:15 PM AT PARK MANOR SCHOOL

Any person may send by registered mail or deliver to the Clerk of the Township of Woolwich notice of their objection to the proposed designation together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. If such a Notice of Objection is received, the Council of the Township of Woolwich will refer the matter to the Conservation Review Board for a hearing.

LINE DANCING – THURSDAYS (8 WEEKS) 5:00 – 6:00 PM AT ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH HALL

THE LAST DAY FOR FILING OBJECTIONS IS Monday January 11, 2010.

YOGA – MONDAYS (9 WEEKS) 7:00 – 8:00 PM AT WOOLWICH MEMORIAL CENTRE

Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 12th day of December, 2009.

PILATES – TUESDAYS (10 WEEKS) 7:00 – 8:00 PM AT PARK MANOR SCHOOL

Christine Broughton, Clerk, Township of Woolwich

ZUMBA - **NEW PROGRAM** Watch for more details.

BASKETBALL – THURSDAYS (15 WEEKS) 8:15 – 10:15 PM AT PARK MANOR SCHOOL

ALL PROGRAMS START WEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2010 REGISTER Online starting December 14th www.woolwich.ca/register Completed registration forms and post dated cheques (Dated: December 23, 2009) may be dropped off at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. CALL 669-1647 OR 664-2613 ext. 7001 OR 7025 OR EMAIL customerservice@woolwich.ca FOR MORE DETAILS

HOME HUNTERS Custom Verdone model home. 4 bedrooms with main floor master, 3 bathrooms, luxury ensuite, hardwood floors, 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceilings, great room w/ 4 walkouts, beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barzottiâ&#x20AC;? kitchen with pantry & breakfast bar. $30,000 in upgrades backs onto green space. MLS

$479,900

HURON HOMES INC.

$439,000

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CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942 FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

$339,000

Fantastic family home! With 3 spacious bdrms, 4 bthrms. Upgrades include ceramic tile, maple kitchen cupboards, 3 pc. master ensuite, hdwd floors and gas f/p in great room. Bsmnt is finished with a 4 pc. bath. Sliders to deck overlooking fenced yard backing onto green belt. MLS

$319,900

Great location on quiet cul-de-sac. This bright home has 3+1 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, seperate dining room, double garage and driveway. Main floor recently redone. Central air and vac. Large established lot. MLS

$359,000

Great opportunity! This Wellesley raised bungalow is only 10 mins. from Waterloo. Equipped with 5 lrg bdrms, 3(4 pc.) bthrms, 2 kits, 3 car garage and drive. 1400 sq ft. inlaw suite w/side walk out. Lrg 60x130ft. fenced lot. Lots of living space. MLS

FEATURE PROPERTY

Support your local schools. Buy or list your home with Paul.

T IS

45â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; lots available in Elmira. Several plans available in bungalow or 2 storey models, or will build to suit your needs.

All the comforts for this large exceptional family home. 10ft high ceilings, 4 bdrms, 3 baths. Enjoy the gourmet eat-in kit, sep DR, master ens, mudroom just off garage, upper flr lndry. Stunning ceramic tile and hardwood in main traffic areas. Located on a 50ft lot. MLS

$349,000

Retirement at itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best. Let Huron Homes build this beautiful bungalow for your needs. 2 bdrms on main flr, if you like 2 more in bsmt, with a lg rec. rm. lg master w/ens. Dbl garage. Backs on to green belt. MLS

$369,000

Build your dream home! Why buy resale when you can build on this 50ft lot backing onto green belt? 4 bdrms, 3 baths, mn flr lndry, Master w/ens and walkin closet. Hrdwd/ceramic throughout mn flr, maple kit cabinets. MLS

$299,900 Fantastic century home 3bdrms, 2baths, eat-in kit, sep DR, 4 season sun rm, bsmt workshop, sngl detached garage, lg lot, w/established trees/gardens, close to ammenities. Updates: roof â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;09, wiring, plumbing, lighting, wndws. Imm possâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n avail. MLS

Paul Martin SALES REPRESENTATIVE

WOW 1800 sq. ft. of fantastic living space includes loft with mstr bdrm, ens. and family rm. Main flr consists of 2 more bdrms, hardwood and ceramics throughout. Backs onto green space. MLS

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated EMAIL: paul@remaxsolidgold.biz

180 Weber St. S., Waterloo

www.homeswithpaul.ca DIRECT....519-503-9533 | HOME ....519-669-3074 | OFFICE ...519-888-7110

$289,000

BY THE NUMBERS

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

4B Arthur St. S. Elmira â&#x20AC;˘ www.remaxsolidgold.biz OFFICE: 519-669-5426

Âť Answer on pg 30

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

DIRECT: 519-572-2669 EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started.

BERT MARTIN, BROKER

$27

$24

9,9

BUNGALOW WITH GREAT CURB APPEAL in the downtown area offers open concept kitchen, dining and living room, main floor laundry, two bedrooms plus mater with ensuite, basement family room and recroom plus large unfinished area. Roof and central air three years. Garage 20x13â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;?. MLS

GREAT DUPLEX near the down town core area. Separate entrance, driveway, hydro meteres and gas furnaces. Mid efficiency furnaces, roof, s/f/e, chimney and liner new in 1998. 14 windows, front door, breaker panel, yard fence, new in 1999. Units are nicely decorated and offer large principle rooms. MLS

Your referrals are appreciated!

EASY

HARD

MEDIUM

Buying a home in the area? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got you covered. www.

.com

| 519.669.5790

Open House Information Printed Every Saturday

26 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

HOME HUNTERS 519.669.5790 | 1.888.966.5942

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

519-669-2772

BROKERAGE

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record

JULIE HECKENDORN Broker Res: 519-669-1068 Res: 519-669-8629 MVA Residential

ALLI NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-577-6248

FAX | 519.669.5753 EMAIL | sales@ObserverXtra.com

BILL NORRIS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-588-1348

MARRIAGE

TRACEY WILLIAMS Sales Rep. Cell: 519-505-0627

oPEn HousE | 49 aspen cres., Elmira

sat DEc. 12 2-4PM | sun DEc. 13 2-4 PM

ELMIRA REAL ESTATE Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage SERVICES

Don’t Miss out !! - Lot’s of upgrades in this well kept & tastefully decorated spacious semi. 14’x19’ deck, stone patio, garden shed. Beautiful yard! nEW MLs $213,900

519-669-3192

90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 1, Elmira N3B 3L4

Art & Jeanette Freeman are thrilled to announce the BONNIE BRUBACHER Broker of Record

SHANNA ROZEMA Broker.

DARREN ROMKEY Sales Rep.

LAURIE LANGDON Sales Rep.

DALE KELLER Sales Rep.

marriage of their son

MONIQUE BRUBACHER Sales Rep.

Anthony Ryan to Erin Leigh Jones

THIS WEEK'S FEATURE PROPERTIES COUNTRY LiviNg

$329,000 DRAYTON | Family country

street, literally just minutes outside of town. 100 x 150' lot. 3 Bedroom home offers mainfloor family, laundry, eat-in kitchen and den/living room. Oversized double garage. MLS

the daughter of Rev. Steve & Kim Jones of Essex. The

nEWLY BuiLt BunGaLoW - Park LikE GrounDs - 11

Lovely lot backing to open farmland. Ceramic foyer, kitchen & laundry. Hardwood in LR/DR. 9’ Ceilings. Bonus rm/3rd bdrm. nEW MLs $399,900

acres, mixed bush, pond! Lovely updated bungalow w/ great room. Minutes from Elmira/K-W & Guelph. MLs $569,000

DRaYTON 2.11 aCRes

marriage took place on September 19, 2009 at Centre St. Baptist Church in St. Thomas, Ont. We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.

ThANk YOU

$440,000 | Stunning 2190 sq ft log home,

The Douglas family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and cards during our recent loss or our husband, father and grandfather Ken Douglas.

PRiMe COUNTRY HOMe

Thank you to Dreisinger Funeral Home for their wonderful care through this difficult time.

welcoming open concept mainfloor, 3 Bedrooms, walk out basement. Spectacular view over looks farmland. Detached garage. MLS

$493,000 ELMIRA NEW PRICE | This

great family home is located minutes to Elmira and includes a 7000 sq. ft. barn/ shop. The home is well kept with some improvements including an addition; main floor master bedroom with ensuite. Early closing. MLS

nEW BunGaLoW - quality built! Great rm w/hardwood and gas f/p. Covered porch off dinette. 3 bdrms, 2 bthrms, Main flr. laundry. MLs $395,000.

ExcELLEnt vaLuE in DraYton - Immaculate home backing to

parkland! Impressive great rm. w/17’ ceiling. Huge master. Fin rec. rm. w/f.p. MLs $274,900.

iNvesTMeNT PROPeRTY

located in a desirable part of Elmira. Separate hydro meters for each unit, parking spaces for tenants; fenced yard; all appliances now owned by seller are included. NEW MLS

COUNTRY LOT

EMAIL: Elmira@royallepage.ca WEBSITE: www.royallepage.ca/elmira

You’ve come to the right place to find a home.

M&T Business Card Ad:Layout 1 04/03/09 10:22 AM Page 1

The Douglas Family

BIRThDAY

$355,000 ELMIRA | All brick tri-plex

$64,900 | 1.9 Acres vacant land located on Wellington Road 7. MLS

Your kindness will always be remembered.

cEnturY HoME - 24’ x 30’ heated workshop. 3 bdrms, 2 bths. Eat-in kitchen & formal DR. Huge lot - 134’ x 113’ MLs reduced to $229,900

ExistinG cHurcH! - Seating capacity 175+. Major addition at rear in 1986, incl full bsmt. Ideal for office, lofts, etc. C-1 zoning. MLs $479,000

www.thurrealestate.com

Best Wishes on your 70th Birthday Sis.

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

SERVICE PROS

P L A C E S

THOMPSON’S

LOCAL CHURCH

Auto Tech Inc.

21 Industrial Dr. Elmira

to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-7652

21 HOWARD AVE., ELMIRA (Behind the old Trylon Building)

Skate Sharpening

Sundays - 9:45 am Family Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School for all ages www.bloomingdalemennonite.com

R E A C H

L O V E .

T E A C H

T H E

Calvary United St. Jacobs

Minister: Rev. Dave Jagger Sunday Worship: 10:55am

Visit our website on: www.wondercafe.ca 21 Arthur St., North • Church Office 519-669-5560 “Our mission is to love, learn and live by Christ’s teachings”

22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537

STORE HOURS: M-F: 7-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

P O W E R

Upbeat Family Worship & Sunday School 10:00 am

48 Hawkesville Rd. • 519-664-2311

Sunday, December 13, 2009 9:15 & 11:00am “Waiting for Christmas” Indoor/outdoor railings, fences,gates, garden trellis, garden ornaments, floral display pieces, wall art, curtain rods and more...

200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 Check out our website www.woodsidechurch.ca

Come Home for Christmas

www.stjacobsiron.com

(519) 404-1502

Sunday Dec. 13 Come Home to God’s Plan for Your Life

WEICKERT& MEIROWSKI Concrete Foundations Limited

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Booking Summer 2010 Projects Now! DRAYTON, ON

519-638-2699

YES... WE DO RESIDENTIAL WORK!

6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914 carpentry

CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION INC. GENERAL CONTRACTING

residential • agricultural commercial • industrial

GROSHAW BROS. CARPENTRY

Serving your community for over 20 years.

• Concrete removal & replacement •Excavation •Remodeling & restoration trappconstruction@bell.blackberry.net

Marty Trapp | RR#1 Elmira | 519-846-9066

JOHN GROSHAW 7449 8th Line Drayton, ON

519-669-5588 (cell) 519-897-6238 construction

Online

Sundays @ 10:30am John Mahood PS

5 First St., Elmira • 519-669-1459 www.elmiracommunity.org

Jesus is the St. Teresa Church Reason for NoCatholic God, No Hope; Know God, Know Hope! Celebrate Eucharist with us the Season Sat. 5pm, Sun. 9am and 11:15am

“Making Faith Live” Sunday Worship 9:30 am - 10:30am

Mass times are:

2 First St., Elmira • 519-669-5030

AUTOMOTIVE

Custom Homes • Cottages • Additions • Shingling + Siding

AUTOMOTIVE

Residential - Additions -Siding -Aluminum -Windows -Repairs ...etc.

.com

» Start Buying & Selling now! » Upload your own photos » Up to 1000 words » Track favourite ads » Built-in contact form IN PRINT. ONLINE. IN PICTURES. IN DEPTH.

Wayne L. Martin RR1, Waterloo, N2J 4G8 519-746-6485

19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira • 519-669-3387

AUTOMOTIVE

automotive

TIRE Complete Collision Service

101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE 24 Hour Accident Assistance

Body Maintenance

WHERE TIRES

RUDOW’S CARSTAR COLLISION CENTRE

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

519.669.8330

1-800-CARSTAR 519-669-3373

519-669-3373

AFTER HOURS

33 First Street, East Elmira, ON

FAX: 519.669.3210

519.669.8917 SELF STORAGE

ORTLIEB CRANE & Equipment Ltd. Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE

Call

519-669-4964

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

ARE A

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ELMIRA

ELMIRA’S SHARPENING

Willis Martin

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Worship with us Sundays at 10:30am

Trinity United Church Sunday School during Worship

519-669-4400

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Bloomingdale Mennonite Church 1151 Snyder’s Flat Rd., Bloomingdale • 519-745-2411

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FOR YOUR UNWANTED SCRAP VEHICLES CARS, TRUCKS OR VANS WE PAY CASH WITH FREE TOWING PLEASE CALL

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THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

Across 1. Bud 6. As a result 10. Punishment for a sailor, maybe 14. Plastered house or hut 15. Computer architecture: reduced instruction set computing (Accro) 16. Eastern pooh-bah 17. In the past 18. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no ___!â&#x20AC;? 19. Small songbird 20. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;beatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in The Beatles 22. Call for 23. place of worship for a Jewish congregation 24. Changes 26. Big Indian 30. .0000001 joule 31. Drone, e.g. 32. Assayersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stuff 33. Golden Triangle country 35. Arise 39. Table salt produced with sea water (2wrds) 41. New direction 43. More rational 44. Make, as money 46. Ancient Andean

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47. Animation 49. It may be boring 50. Wearing footgear... 51. News office 54. Bypass 56. Affirm 57. Orbits around the earth 63. Russian assembly 64. Applaud 65. Anoint 66. Overabundance 67. ___ Minor 68. That is, in Latin 69. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ on Down the Roadâ&#x20AC;? 70. Theater award 71. Volumes Down 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ___â&#x20AC;? (old riddle answer) 2. O. Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gift of the ___â&#x20AC;? 3. Clickable image 4. Jets or Sharks, e.g. 5. Bread spreads 6. Grind to a very fine powder 7. Spanish nobleman 8. ___-friendly 9. Sacred beetle of ancient Egypt

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10. Badminton 11. Acquiesce 12. Absolute 13. Hired labourer 21. Beach souvenir 25. Bad look 26. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ERâ&#x20AC;? doctor 27. Length x width, for a rectangle 28. Denim pant 29. State categorically 34. Money paid to strikers from union funds 36. Hyperbolic sine 37. To a remarkable degree 38. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good grief!â&#x20AC;? 40. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mi chiamano Mimi,â&#x20AC;? e.g. 42. Sammy Kayeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;? 45. Fast 48. Mideast capital 51. Symbol of authority 52. Throat dangler 53. Twin brother of Romulus 55. Braid 58. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not to mention ...â&#x20AC;? 59. ___-European 60. Abound 61. â&#x20AC;&#x153;... or ___!â&#x20AC;? 62. Adjusts, as a clock

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Inspections for Real Estate Septic System Repairs & Restoration Catch Basin Cleaning

Vehicle Lettering

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BRUBACHER LTD. 19 First St. E., Elmira

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Logos & Graphics Large format printing

1600 King St. N., Unit #18

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Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL â&#x20AC;˘ COMMERCIAL â&#x20AC;˘ INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

T R

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519-669-1836 Thomas Martin

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

» STRANGE BUT TRUE | BILL & RICH SONES

Cats more effective at gaining attention with purrs suchpurring can get overlooked, McComb adds. Meowing is more likely in these households or when strangers are present. “I’ve worked on communication and cognitive abilities in a wide range of mammals, including elephants and lions, but domestic cats, being rather private at times, were one of the most challenging subjects to date.” Q. Identical twins from the same fertilized egg (about 4 in every 1,000 births), are alike in most ways but not in all. What are a few of the more surprising discordances that can occur? A. Opposite handedness will occur in nearly 20% of cases, says biologist William F. Loomis in Life As It Is. Also at birth each of the twin’s fingerprints is unique, and the hair whorl on the crown of their head can be either clockwise or counterclockwise. As to why the difference in handedness, one theory suggests the cramped side-by-side position of fetal twins may predispose them to certain mirror-image develop-

Q. What’s most “im-purrfect” about the colorful old saying, It’s the cat’s meow”? A. Ironically, a meowing cat may sound anything but “cool” or “great” or “neat” to a tired owner as she kicks her feline friend out of the early morning bedroom, reports the journal Current Biology. Far more acceptable to humans and effective for the hungry cat is purring, especially “solicitation purring,” says University of Sussex researcher Karen McComb. In one test, humans rated these purrs as “more urgent and less pleasant” than regular purring, as they embed a high-frequency “cry” like an infant’s wail that exploits the human tendency to nurture, tugging us toward the can-opener. Not all cats, however, are in on the ruse. It seems to develop most often in those with a strong one-on-one with their owners rather than in large households where

mental patterns. This may also help explain the unusual fact that even fraternal twins are more likely to develop opposite handedness than is the case with other siblings, as reported in The New York Times and by the Dr. Spock Company. There are complex theories and models to try to account for these facts, says Loomis, but much is yet hypothetical. Q. Story from the Net: “When I was a kid, my mother’s favorite riddle was about a farmer selling eggs: The first customer asked for ‘half of what you have in your basket, plus half an egg.’ The farmer obliged without breaking any eggs. The second customer made the same request, and again the farmer complied, without breaking any eggs. After complying with a third customer’s identical request, the farmer declared, ‘Now I have no eggs left in my basket.’” Can you figure how many eggs the farmer had to start with? A. This is one of those quirky prob-

lems best worked by trial and error. First observe that there must have originally been an odd number of eggs in the basket, since half of an odd number leaves a remainder of one-half egg, allowing the final removal of another half egg to make it a whole number. This way there would be no broken eggs. (Key idea: It’s a whole lot easier dividing a mathematical egg in half instead of a real egg.) So let’s guess the farmer started with seven eggs. Then he would have given the first customer 3.5 eggs (half of what he had in his basket), plus .5 egg (half an egg), meaning he would have handed over 4 eggs, with 3 left over. Next the farmer would have given the second customer 1.5 eggs + .5 egg = 2 eggs, leaving only a single egg. Finally, the third customer would have received half of this single egg + half an egg = 1 egg, which would have emptied the farmer’s basket, as stipulated. Eggsactly right! (Send STRANGE questions to brothers Bill and Rich at strangetrue@cs.com)

Safety first at Riverside PS

Voices raised in song at tree-lighting ceremony

FUNCTION OVER FASION Firefighters Phil Antill (left) and Dennis Aldous explain the parts of a firefighter’s gear to students at Riverside Public School during a fire safety presentation Tuesday.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Residents sing along to Christmas carols with the St. Clements Church choir before watching the annual Tree of Light ceremony outside the library in St. Clements Dec. 5.

PHOTO | Joni Miltenburg

PHOTO | Katie Edmonds

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30 | CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIMEâ&#x20AC;?

Kleensweep Carpet Care

West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

MILLWRIGHTS LTD.

519.669.5105

P.O. BOX 247, ROUTE 1, ELMIRA

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

DENTURE Allen Morrison, Agent/Owner

Auto

Allen Morrison Insurance Inc.

Life

Investments

25 Industrial Drive, Elmira, ON N3B 3K3

Group

3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville

519-699-4641 www.freybc.com December 12

ÂťÂť 5th Annual Breakfast With Santa, hosted by the Optimist Club of St. Jacobs; 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 p.m. at the Woolwich Community Centre, 29 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs. Full breakfast, $4 per person, tickets available at Home Hardware Store in St. Jacobs or at the door. Bring your camera, Santa arrives at 9 a.m. DECEBMER 13

ÂťÂť Ecumenical Memorial Service hosted by St. Teresa of Avila Church, 7 p.m. Here we remember and pray for any loved ones who have passed away in the past year or two. A member of the family will present a candle in memory of their deceased loved one. All are invited to come and join us for this Memorial Service. A reception will follow after the service. ÂťÂť Christmas in Winterbourne â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Come join our annual Sing-along; 7 p.m. Music by Monday Night Jam Club and guests. Refreshments and bake sale. Fun for the whole family. Chalmers Presbyterian Church. Free-will offering will be taken, donations for the food bank would be appreciated. DECEMBER 18

ÂťÂť Meatloaf Dinner with all the fixings, $6; 6 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira (downstairs). DECEMBER 20

â&#x20AC;˘ Design â&#x20AC;˘ Installation â&#x20AC;˘ Custom Fabrication

Since 1987 - DentureTech Since 1995 - Denturist

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ÂťÂť Carol Sing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Come join us and sing along with Rev. Robert and pianist Toyosi. Celebrate Christmas and share the stories behind the carols; 7 p.m. Waterloo North Presbyterian Church, 685 Highpoint Ave. Free-will offering, wheelchair accessible; 519-888-7870. ÂťÂť Alma Santa Claus Parade, 2 p.m., Main Street Alma. DECEMBER 31

ÂťÂť New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Dance. Doors open 8 p.m.; $17.50 per person. Music by D.J. from 9 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 a.m. Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First St. E., Elmira â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tickets in advance. Late-night meal.

Bus.:519.669.2632 Fax: 519.669.4282

Business

FREE CONSULTATION

After Hours Emergency Services: 1-800-465-2667

Farm

â&#x20AC;˘ Total Denture Care Travel

Email: allen_morrison@cooperators.ca

www.cooperators.ca â&#x20AC;˘ Same Day Service Disability

on Repairs and Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Metal Partial - Soft Relines â&#x20AC;˘Since Implants 1987 - DentureTech â&#x20AC;˘Since DENTURE SPECIALIST 1995 - Denturist

Denture

DENTURE Vinolea Jahandari DD

â&#x20AC;˘ ELMIRA Total Denture Care â&#x20AC;˘ Same day service on and relines 15repairs Memorial Ave., Since 1987 - DentureTech â&#x20AC;˘ Elmira Metal Partial - Soft Relines 1995 - Denturist (Behind Bank of Montreal) â&#x20AC;˘ DENTURE SPECIALIST

519.669.1535 KITCHENER

FREE CONSULTATION 519.744.9770 ELMIRA Total Denture

KITCHENER

â&#x20AC;˘ Care 519-744-9770 519-669-1535 â&#x20AC;˘ Same Day Service 15 Memorial Ave., Elmira (behind Bank of Montreal) on Repairs and Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Metal Partial - Soft Relines â&#x20AC;˘ Implants â&#x20AC;˘ DENTURE SPECIALIST

Elzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vinolea Jahandari DD

Wonderful 519.669.1535 ELMIRA

15 Memorial Ave., Elmira

JANUARY 6

ÂťÂť Storytime for children ages 3 to 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at St. Clements Branch Library. A storytime program for children 3 to 5 years old on new days and times! Join us for stories and fun activities on Wednesday afternoons from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. from January 6 to February 24 OR Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. from January 7 to February 25. Space is limited. Call or visit the library for more information at 519-699-4341 or email stclemlib@region. waterloo.on.ca.

A Fine Wine Establishment

(Behind Bank of Montreal) KITCHENER

519.744.9770

29 Church St. W., Elmira

519.669.0799

New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

JANUARY 7

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

JANUARY 8 33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

ÂťÂť H.U.G.S. Program 9:15-11:45 a.m. For parents and their children (0-5yr). Topic: Raising Healthy Kids.

RETAIL STORE STORE RETAIL

â&#x20AC;˘ Electrical Supplies â&#x20AC;˘ New Vacuums â&#x20AC;˘ All Vacuum Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Parts & Accessories â&#x20AC;˘ All makes and models â&#x20AC;˘ Hand Vacs to Central Vacs 9 CHURCH STREET EAST, ELMIRA

519.669.8362

JANUARY 13

ÂťÂť Storytime at Elmira Branch Library is for children 3 to 5 years old and will run on Wednesdays 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 13 to Mar. 3 and Thursdays 10:1511 a.m. from Jan. 14 to Mar. 4. Elmira Branch Library is located at 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Check the website for more details www.rwl.library.on.ca. For information, call 519-669-5477. Submit calendar listings to info@observerxtra.com

Death Notice ISA AC-BANDEROB, Katherine Heather

LOGEL, Daniel Patrick â&#x20AC;&#x153;Danâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lived for her family and died peacefully in their arms on Monday, December 7, 2009 at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital at the age of 55, of Winterbourne.

- Peacefully on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at KW Health Centre. Dan Logel age 63 years of Elmira. MARTIN, Enos S.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ON Wednesday, DeWonderful Wines cember 9, 2009 at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Hospital, Enos S. Martin age 79 years of RR3, Wallenstein.

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SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763

elmirawelcomewagon@sympatico.ca

Be Prepared For Winter!

519.669.2884 21 Industrial Dr., Elmira

JAUNUARY 12

ÂťÂť Toddler Tales at Elmira Branch Library is for children 24 to 36 months old and runs on Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 a.m. from Jan. 12 to Mar. 2. Elmira Branch Library is located at 65 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Check the website for more details www.rwl.library.on.ca. For information, call 519-669-5477.

Klein, John DonalD suddenly on Saturday, December 5, 2009, age 55 years. John Klein is the beloved husband of Deborah Klein (nee Dickieson). Loving father of Krista KleinLafrance and her husband Kurt. Dear son of Doris and Donald Klein. Also lovingly remembered by the Dickieson family and his good friend Paul. John was a driver with Grand River Transit, he was a retired volunteer firefighter with the Woolwich Department and was an avid fisherman and hunter. The family received their friends and relatives at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira, on Tuesday, December 8, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service was held at St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira, on Wednesday, December 9, at 1 p.m. followed by interment in Elmira Union Cemetary. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the K-W Humane Society.

Elmira & Surrounding Area

ÂťÂť Wellesley Caregiver Coffee Group, 2-3:30 p.m. at Wellesley Township Community Health Centre. Topic is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dealing with Change and Loss.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Call Lorraine at WCHC, 519-664-3794 or reception at 519-656-9025 for more information. ÂťÂť Storytime for children ages 3 to 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at Linwood Branch Library. A storytime program for children 3 to 5 years old. Join us for stories and fun activities on Thursday afternoons from 2-2:45 p.m. from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25. Call or visit the library for more information at 519-698-2700 or e-mail linwdlib@ region.waterloo.on.ca.

Obituary

Wines

JANUARY 5

ÂťÂť Caregiver Coffee Hour, 10-11:30 a.m. at Chateau Gardens in Elmira. The Alzheimer Society and Woolwich Hospice are your hosts. Topic for the meeting is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Disability Tax Credit & Medical Expenseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Sharon Mercier from K-W Tax Services. For more information call Lorraine at WCHC, 519-664-3794.

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.895.2044 ext. 217 Home: 519.747.4388

Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. Suite 800, 101 Frederick St., Kitchener

MEDIUM

HARD

CLASSIFIEDS | SERVICES | REAL ESTATE | FAMILY ALBUM |

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

        

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                        

                           

                                    

       

                                                   

                             

              

                                                            

                            

            

                         

              

              

                                                            

                                                                                         

                        

32 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | Saturday, December 12, 2009

I M P O R TA N T I N F O R M AT I O N

“I encourage every Canadian to get the H1N1 flu vaccine.” Dr. David Butler-Jones Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

vaccinated is a safe 3 Getting and effective way to protect yourself and others against the H1N1 flu virus.

has enough vaccine 3 Canada for everyone.

For information on flu clinics throughout your province go to www.ontario.ca/flu or call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708.

For more information about the H1N1 flu vaccine visit www.fightflu.ca

or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY 1-800-926-9105

3290_H1N1_Sc3_ON4C_ENG_01.indd 1

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